PULSED EXCITED PROXIMITY SENSOR

摘要

A proximity sensor (10) has a transducer coil (18) that is part of an oscillator circuit. The oscillating signal varies as a function of the presence or absence of a metallic object adjacent the transducer coil (18). By analyzing selected characteristics of that oscillating signal, the presence of and object and the distance to the object can be determined. Other analysis techniques enable the sensor to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous materials. A mechanism (130-140) also is provided to automatically configure operation of the proximity to avoid interference from another adjacent proximity sensor (10).