Inductive Position and Speed Sensors

Magnetic position and speed sensors are rugged and durable. While DC magnetic sensors use permanent magnets as a field source and usually have only mm or cm range, inductive sensors use electromagnetic induction and they may work up to a distance of 20 m. Eddy current inductive sensors equipped with magnetoresistive sensors instead of inductive coils can operate at low frequencies, allowing detection through a conductive wall. In this paper, we make an overview of existing systems and we present new results in eddy current velocity and position measurements. We also present several types of inductive position sensors developed in our laboratories for industrial applications in pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, underground drilling, large mining machines, and for detecting ferromagnetic objects on conveyors. While the most precise inductive position sensors have a resolution of 10 nm and linearity of 0.2%, precision requirements on the industrial sensors which we develop are less demanding, but they should have large working distance and large resistance to environmental conditions and interference.