page_title: Proximity sensor
hierarchical_section_title: Proximity sensor
caption_attribution_description: Sharp GP2Y0A21YK infrared proximity sensor. The sensor has an analog output that varies from 3.1V at 10cm to 0.4V at 80cm.
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: 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 (infrared, for instance), 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.
caption: An infrared proximity sensor.
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