An inductive sensor is a non-contact sensing technology that works using transformer principles to measure position or speed.
Inductive sensor applications
Inductive sensors have a long track record of reliability in tough environments, often making them the engineers preferred choice for high-performance and safety-critical applications in sectors such as:
Traditional inductive sensors versus new generation
Due to their basic phyics, non-contact operation and the nature of their principle components, inductive sensors are extremely robust. Traditionally, inductive sensors tend to be safe, accurate, reliable and robust, but also big, bulky and heavy.
Over the last decade, a new generation of device has become an increasingly popular choice – the inductive encoder or incoder. This type of sensor uses the same fundamental physical principles as traditional inductive sensors such as resolvers, but uses printed, laminar windings to generate the inductive fields.
Resolvers vs New Generation Inductive Encoders
| Resolvers | New Generation Inductive Encoders | |
| High Resolution | Y | Y |
| High Repeatability | Y | Y |
| High Accuracy | Y | Y |
| Resilience to Dirt, Water or Condensation | Y | Y |
| Resilience to electrostatic effects | Y | Y |
| Robust EMC Operation | Y | Y |
| Low Thermal Drift | Y | |
| Easy to install | ? | Y |
| Compact | Y | |
| Lightweight | Y | |
| Economical | Y |