FIBER OPTIC SENSOR APPARATUS

摘要

An optical apparatus for measuring physical quantities, comprising an optical transducer (33) for sensing position, outgoing and return optical fibers (20, 23), and an electronic sensor control module (43). Light is generated at the control module and transmitted by the outgoing optical fiber (20) to the optical transducer (33) which varies relative intensity of two colors in a dissimilar manner in response to location of a positionable device (34, 35) in the optical transducer. The modified intensity is transmitted back to the control module via the return optical fiber (23). The control module (43) measures the intensity of the two returning colors, and then outputs an electrical signal proportional to the intensity ratio for analog applications, or alternatively tests the intensity ratio against preselected constants and outputs discrete signals for digital applications. The control module can, in addition, incorporate self-testing of the optical components.