page_title: Proximity sensor
section_title: Applications
hierarchical_section_title: Proximity sensor / Applications
caption_attribution_description: English: Proximity sensor installed on the front of an iPhone 5 next to the earpiece.
context_page_description: A proximity sensor is a sensor able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact.
  A proximity sensor often emits an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and looks for changes in the field or return signal. The object being sensed is often referred to as the proximity sensor's target. Different proximity sensor targets demand different sensors. For example, a capacitive proximity sensor or photoelectric sensor might be suitable for a plastic target; an inductive proximity sensor always requires a metal target.
  Proximity sensors can have a high reliability and long functional life because of the absence of mechanical parts and lack of physical contact between the sensor and the sensed object.
  Proximity sensors are also used in machine vibration monitoring to measure the variation in distance between a shaft and its support bearing. This is common in large steam turbines, compressors, and motors that use sleeve-type bearings.
  A proximity sensor adjusted to a very short range is often used as a touch switch.
context_section_description: Parking sensors, systems mounted on car bumpers that sense distance to nearby cars for parking
  Ground proximity warning system for aviation safety
  Vibration measurements of rotating shafts in machinery
  Top dead centre (TDC)/camshaft sensor in reciprocating engines.
  Sheet break sensing in paper machine.
  Anti-aircraft warfare
  Roller coasters
  Conveyor systems
  Beverage and food can making lines
  Mobile devices
  Touch screens that come in close proximity to the face
  Attenuating radio power in close proximity to the body, in order to reduce radiation exposure
  Automatic faucets
caption: Proximity sensor installed on the front of an iPhone 5 next to the earpiece automatically turning off the touchscreen when the sensor comes within a predefined range of an object (such as a human ear) when using the handset.
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