Fundamentals of Inductive and Capacitive Proximity Sensors: Pepperl+Fuchs

Model Number Index
Table of Contents
Main Menu
Back One Page
Fundamentals
of
Inductive
and
Capacitive
Proximity
Sensors
Principles of Operation 10
Construction 11
Electrical Output 12-18
Styles of Sensors 19
Sensing Range 20
Actuating Sensors 21
Mounting 22-23
Special Considerations 24-25
Key To Model Numbers 26
PEPPERL+FUCHS
Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. 1600 Enterprise Parkway Twinsburg, Ohio 44087-2245 www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com

Telephone (330) 486-0001 FAX (330) 405-4710 E-Mail: sales@us.pepperl-fuchs.com
Fundamentals of Inductive and Capacitive Proximity Sensors

Principles of Operation
Model Number Index
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Table of Contents
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Inductive
P+F inductive proximity sensors are the Eddy
Current Killed Oscillator (ECKO) type. This
type of sensor contains four basic elements
as shown at the right.
Coil
Oscillator
Trigger
Circuit
Output
Switching
Device
Sensing
Field
The oscillator creates a radio frequency that

is emitted from the coil away from the face
of the sensor. If a metal plate enters this
radiated field, eddy currents circulate within
the metal.
Proximity Sensor
The oscillator requires energy to maintain the

eddy currents in the metal plate. As the plate
approaches the sensor, the eddy currents
increase and cause a greater load on the
oscillator. The oscillator stops when the load
becomes too great. The trigger circuit senses
when the oscillator stops, then changes the
state of the switching device (a transistor in
DC sensors, a thyristor in AC sensors) to
control the load.
Target Absent
Sensing
Field
Target
Target Approaching
Sensor
Oscillator
Stalled
Amplitude
ON
OUTPUT STAGE
Shown as Normally Open
OFF
Capacitive
Oscillator
Target
Trigger
Circuit
Output
Switching
Device
Plate
P+F capacitive sensors act similar to a simple

capacitor. A metal plate, in the end of the sensor,
is electrically connected to the oscillator. The
object to be sensed acts as a second plate.
When power is applied to the sensor, the
oscillator senses the external capacitance
between the target and the internal sensor plate.
This forms a part of the feedback capacitance in
the oscillator circuit.
Target Approaching
Sensor
Target Absent
Amplitude of
Oscillations
ON
Capacitive sensors detect targets in the

opposite manner as inductive sensors. As a
target approaches a capacitive sensor, the
oscillations increase until they reach a threshold
level and activate a switching device.
Output Stage
Shown as Normally Open
OFF
10
PEPPERL+FUCHS


Model Number Index
Table of Contents
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The majority of P+F proximity sensor housings are

manufactured from either 303 stainless steel, nickel-plated
brass or crastin. Crastin housings are made with
a semicrystalline polyenterephthalate material reinforced
with short glass fibers. This combination of material
is ideal for producing superior precision molded parts
with exceptionally low conductance. Crastin will retain
dimensional stability and its electrical and dielectric
properties are virtually unaffected by temperature changes
or by wet environments. This rugged material is resistant to
abrasion and has excellent antifriction properties.
In tests conducted by an independent testing laboratory,
a Crastin housing was found to have exceptional
resistance to chemicals, oils, fats and most aqueous
media. These tests were made over a 60 day period and
conducted at a temperature of +70F. Crastin proved
resistant to the following:
Acetaldehyde
Acetic Acid
Acetone
10% Ammonia
Benzene
Benzol Chloride
Butyl Acetate
10% Calcium Chloride
Carbon Tetrachloride
Diputyl Phtalate
Drilling Emulsion
Engine & Diesel Oil
Ethanol
Ethyl
Ethylic Ether
30% Formaldehyde
10% Formic Acid
Freon
Gasoline
Glycerine
Glycol
Heptane
Hexane
10% Hydrochloric Acid

35% Hydrogen Peroxide
Kerosene
Methanol
Mineral Oils
10% Nitric Acid
Perchlorethylene
Petrol
Petroleum
Phosphoric Acid
5% Potassium
Bichromate
10% Potassium
Permanganate
Sea Water
10% Sodium Carbonate
10% Sodium Chloride
28% Sulphuric Acid
Toluene
Transformer Oil
Trichlorethylene
158F Water
Xylene
Note: Chemicals may affect sensor cable.

Contact P+F for suggestions.
Construction
Back One Page
Crastin Housings
Cover paste
Epoxy resin O-ring
Crastin cylindrical
proximity sensors
are ideal when the
application requires Coil
resistance to water
Ultrasonic
and corrosion.
Weld
The solid-state
Crastin housing
Ferrite
Integrated
Printed
core
circuit
circuit
components are
embedded in an epoxy resin under vacuum and the end
cap is ultrasonically welded to the body. This combination
is impervious to water and prevents condensation. Crastin
sensors may be immersed in water up to +158F without
damage to the sensor. Inductive styles withstand 75psi,
while capacitive styles withstand 15psi.
303 Stainless Steel and

Nickel-Plated Brass Housings
Plastic sleeve
Cover paste
LED
Epoxy resin
O-ring
Metal cylindrical
proximity sensors are
manufactured with an Coil
injection molded
plastic sleeve fitted
inside the metal case
Ferrite
Metal 303
Integrated
Printed
at the sensing end.
core
Stainless Steel housing
circuit
circuit
This plastic sleeve
provides exceptional protection against moisture entering
the sensing unit. Like the Crastin unit, solid-state
components are embedded in an epoxy resin under
vacuum to provide protection against moisture.
Pepperl+Fuchs SN sensor housings are made of Ryton, a

crystalline polypheylene sulfide that provides structural and
dielectric stability in temperatures up to 392F. Ryton is
resistant to most industrial agents.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)

P+F provides LEDs in most of the metal sensors. They
are not available in many Crastin sensors. The reasoning
is that the Crastin sensors are designed to operate
underwater throughout the temperature range (+158F
maximum) without damage to the sensor because
the housings are ultrasonically welded. If an LED were
included, it is possible under temperature changes that
water could leak around the LED.
Most sensors have one amber (target present) LED,
although most limit switch style sensors have an
amber and a green LED (power on) .
For W4 outputs, the amber LED indicates the N.O. output
is energized and the green LED indicates the N.C. output
is energized.
PEPPERL+FUCHS

11

Electrical Output
Model Number Index
Main Menu
Table of Contents
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Pepperl+Fuchs offers sensors for both AC and DC outputs that connect to loads
commonly used in industry such as programmable logic controls (PLCs), solenoids,
relays and microprocessors. The following are summaries of electrical outputs:
2-Wire NAMUR
NAMUR is a standard issued by the Standards Committee
of Measurement and Control of the Chemical Industry in
Europe. P+F NAMUR sensors meet NFPA standards and
are UL Listed. Additionally, P+F NAMUR sensors are CSA
and FM approved for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres when used in conjunction with a P+F WE
or K series intrinsic safety barrier.
Capacitive NAMUR Sensors

and N1 NAMUR Outputs
Capacitive and N1 inductive output sensors with NAMUR
outputs are very similar in operation to inductive sensors
except the current vs. target distance characteristics are
exactly opposite.
3.5
3.0
Inductive NAMUR Sensors,

N and N0 Outputs
2.5
2.0
Current
(mA) 1.5
The inductive NAMUR sensors contain only the coil and

oscillator from the standard sensor shown in Principle of
Operation Inductive (page 26). The trigger circuit and
output switching device are contained in a separate
amplifier.
NAMUR sensors act similar to a variable resistor with a
change of resistance of approximately 1K-8K (target
absent target present respectively) for distance from
the sensor (at 8VDC power supply with an internal
resistance of 1K).
When metal is absent (sensor 1K) the circuit
oscillates and has a current draw greater than 3mA.
When metal is present (sensor 8K) the oscillator
stalls and lowers the current to less than 1mA. The graph
below illustrates the relationship between the current
draw and the sensing distance for inductive NAMUR
sensors and for N and N0 outputs:
1.0
.5
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
% Sensing Distance
P+F switching amplifiers have a switchpoint that triggers

output switching devices at approximately 1.65mA. P+F
provides many amplifiers compatible with NAMUR
sensors.
The following circuits are recommended for use with
NAMUR sensors to provide on/off outputs:
+7 to +9VDC
Interface
circuit using
discrete
components
3.5
NAMUR
Sensor
Load
1K
3.0
2.5
8VDC
2.0
Current
(mA) 1.5
1.0
470K
.5
0
1f
360
4.7K
20
40
60
80
100
2.2K
120
% Sensing Distance
NAMUR
Sensor
100
Op-Amp
910
100
12
PEPPERL+FUCHS
Output
Interface using
operational
amplifier


Model Number Index
Table of Contents
Main Menu
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Styles of Sensors
Physical constraints may determine the

style of sensor that can be used. P+F
offers the following styles:
Surface Mount
Cylindrical
Depending on
the surface mount
sensor that is used,
some sense from
the top and some
from the side.
The sensing field is

in the front of the
sensing device. The
sensor is activated
when a target enters
the sensing field in an
axial or lateral direction.
Slot
Limit Switch Style

This sensor
contains a
sensing face
that is field
changeable
to any one of
five positions,
from front to top to
both sides to bottom.
This sensor has the same
mounting dimensions as a standard
style limit switch, therefore, this
sensor is a replacement for
electro-mechanical limit switches.
PEPPERL+FUCHS
The sensing field is

concentrated between
two coils on a common
axis. The sensor is
activated when a metallic
object (target) enters the
area between the coils.
Ring
The sensing field
is concentrated
inside the ring. The
sensor is activated
when a metallic
object (target)
enters the ring.

19

Sensing Range
Model Number Index
The sensing range of a proximity sensor is

determined by the size of the coil. Thus, the longer
the sensing range, the larger the sensor. Factors
that affect the sensing range include target size
and composition, as well as ambient temperature.
Table of Contents
Main Menu
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Example for calculating Reduction Factor:

Actual
(Nominal sensing range) x (Reduction factor) = sensing range
Reduction factor for Stainless Steel: 20mm x 0.85 = 17mm
If a target constructed from the materials listed above

is used, multiply the nominal sensing range by the
reduction factor listed in order to determine the new
nominal sensing distance for that target.
Target Construction
The ideal target should have sides equal to the
diameter of the sensor or three times the nominal
sensing range, whichever is greater. The target
should be approximately 1mm thick.
Examples:
1.
Sensor diameter: 18mm

Sensing range: 5mm
3x sensing range = 15mm <diameter
Target should be 18x18x1mm
2.
Sensor diameter: 18mm

Sensing range: 8mm
3x sensing range = 24mm >diameter
Target should be 24x24x1mm
Ambient Temperature
Once the actual sensing range has been established,
the sensing distance and repetition accuracy will
vary depending on the ambient temperature. P+F
proximity sensors are guaranteed for 10% of the
actual sensing range within the given temperature
specifications.
The composition of the target is of great importance in

determining actual sensing distance. Nominal sensing
ranges are based on the use of a target constructed of
mild steel. The following reduction factors apply when
using a target other than mild steel.
Approximate
reduction factor
(may vary by switch)
Material
MILD STEEL
1.0
ALUMINUM FOIL
1.0
STAINLESS STEEL
.85
ALUMINUM
.40
BRASS
.40
COPPER
.30
NOTE: These reduction factors are only approximate.

Individual metal alloys and/or unique mounting
configurations may have varying effect on the working
sensing range. For more information, contact P+F.
20
PEPPERL+FUCHS


Model Number Index
Main Menu
Table of Contents
There are two methods of sensor actuation, lateral

and axial (head-on). The sensor activates when the
leading edge of the target reaches the solid line, and
de-activates when the target reaches the dotted line.
Actuating Sensors
Back One Page
Working Sensing Range (Sw)

This is the sensing range within which the proximity
sensor operates under all specified operating
conditions. The working range is (0 Sw .81Sn).
Test Plate
Standard response curve for capacitive proximity switch
switched off
with certainty
axial
Standard target
S U max + Hysteresis
S U max
radial
S n + Hysteresis
Sn
S r min + Hysteresis
S r min
effective operating distance
Standard target
S r max + Hysteresis
S r max
switching
point
hysteresis
S U min + Hysteresis
S U min
switched on with
certainty S w
Active Face
Proximity Switch
x [%]
diameter of the active face
To allow for manufacturing tolerances and external

variations such as temperature, power supply, etc.,
we recommend adjusting the sensing distance to
80% of the nominal sensing range.
Standard response curve for inductive proximity switch

Hysteresis is the distance between the operating
point as the target approaches the sensor and
the release point as the target moves away. The
hysteresis is usually figured as a percentage of the
nominal sensing distance. See specifications for
individual model values.
axial
Standard target
Standard target
radial
effective operating distance
switching
point
hysteresis
Repeatability measures the accuracy of the sensor

to turn on and off under prolonged successive
operations.
Tightening Torque
For Lock Nuts
x [%]
diameter of the active face
Nominal Sensing Range (Sn)

Sn is a theoretical value. Sn does not take into
account production tolerances or variations due to
temperature and voltage.
Actual Sensing Range (Sr)

This figure is determined at the nominal voltage
and at a fixed ambient temperature of 68F (20C).
Sr must not deviate from Sn by more than
10% (0.9Sn Sr 1.1Sn).
Effective Sensing Range (Su)

This value accounts for all specified voltage and
temperature ranges for each sensor. Su must not
deviate more than 10% from Sr (0.9Sr Su 1.1Sr).
Therefore, (0.81Sn Su 1.21Sn).
PEPPERL+FUCHS
1 Nm = 0.74 ft-lb
Sensor
Diameter
Stainless Nickel-Plated Crastin

Steel
Brass
5mm
3.0Nm
8mm
10.0Nm
3.0Nm
10mm
10.0Nm
7.0Nm
12mm
15.0Nm
10.0Nm
0.75Nm
18mm
30.0Nm
20.0Nm
1.5Nm
30mm
60.0Nm
40.0Nm
3.0Nm
Excessive torque could damage the sensor.

21

Mounting
Model Number Index
P+F can have several

Sensing range (mm)
sensing ranges for
Diameter
NonNBB
NBN
each cylindrical sensor.
Extended X Series X Series
(mm)
Shielded
Shielded
Shielded
Unshielded
These ranges are
defined as:
6.5
1.5
2
2
3
8
1.5
2
2
3
Shielded
(flush-mounted)
12
2
4
4
8
Unshielded
18
5
8
8
12
(nonflush-mounted)
30
10
15
15
25
X Series
Extended Range
The chart shows some
typical sensing ranges.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Limit Switch and

Surface Mount Sensors
Distance
Model
Installation
NJ1.5-F-__
40
4.5
12
16
not flush
NJ2-F1-__
flush
NBB-V3-__
flush
NJ4-F1-__
12
24
not flush
NJ6-F-__
NJ15-M__-__
18
22
flush
90
45
25
40
not flush
45
40
flush
20
200
60
15
80
not flush
NBB20-L__
45
40
flush
NJ20+U4+E__,A__
45
40
flush
NBN30-L__
30
250
90
20
30
120
not flush
NBN40-L__
40
300
120
20
40
150
not flush
NCN40+U__
40
300
120
20
40
150
not flush
NJ40-FP-__
40
120
120
150
not flush
120
100
flush
NJ40+U__
40
300
120
20
40
150
not flush
NJ50-FP-__
40
150
150
240
not flush
NJ20+U4+__(AC)
As was previously mentioned, proximity sensors contain coils

which are wound in ferrite cores to point the radiated fields in the
direction of use. The field, however, also radiates laterally. This
lateral radiation of the field could be sufficient to prevent the
sensor from being flush mounted in metal, because this could
actuate the sensor.
20
NBB15-L__
Shielding
Back One Page
NJ40-FP__-B1-__
Unshielded Sensor
If flush mounting in metal is desired, a metal ring is placed around

the ferrite core to restrict the lateral radiation of the field, however,
this will cause the sensing range to be reduced.
Shielded Sensor
The example
shows a shielded
sensor flush
mounted in a
metal plate and an
unshielded sensor
mounted in a
metal plate with
dimensions for
safe installation.
3xD
2 Times
Sensing
Range
Unshielded
sensor
distance D must
be 3 times the diameter
22
3 Times
Diameter
D
Metal
Unshielded sensor
mounted in a metal plate
with dimensions for
safe installation
Shielded sensor
flush mounted
The possibility of frequency interference exists when sensors

are mounted adjacent to each other. The figure below shows
the minimum spacing between sensors.
Limit switch
style sensors
Metal
with 15mm
nominal sensing
distance may
be flush
mounted.
Limit switch style sensors with nominal

sensing distances of 20mm, 30mm
and 40mm cannot be flush mounted.
Dimensions are shown in the chart
above for installing sensors.
A
C
B
Once again the possibility of frequency interference exists under

certain circumstances when mounting sensors next to each
other. Use the dimensions shown in the chart above to determine
distances between sensors. In applications where these distances
cannot be observed, contact P+F for assistance.
D 1xD D
E
D
Distance between shielded

sensors should be equal to
the diameter of the sensor
PEPPERL+FUCHS


Model Number Index
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Basic Series
Surface Mount Sensors
Mounting
Back One Page
Mounting NEB Series

Extended Range Sensors
Use the dimensions shown in the chart below to

determine distances between sensors. In applications
where these distances are not practical, contact P+F
for assistance.
When installing
NEB series extended
range sensors the
following guidelines
should be observed.
Material
A
C
A = 0.2 x diameter in ferrous metals

A = 0.1 x diameter in non-ferrous metals
B = 2 x diameter
C = 3 x diameter
Effects of
Surrounding Metals
Target
Plate
B
C
Frequency interference can

occur when sensors are
mounted adjacent to each
other. A distance equal to
the diameter of the sensor
should be maintained.
E
E
E = Sensor diameter
Switching Frequency
Mutual Interference
Target Plate
Target
Plate
Switching frequency
is the rate at which
a sensor can turn on
and off each second and
is measured in Hertz (Hz).
Basic Series Surface Mount Sensors

Distance (mm)
Model
NBN4-F29-__
12
12
16
NBB5-F9-__
15
16
20
NBN5-F7-__
15
17
20
NBB7-F10-__
20
25
30
NBN10-F10-__
30
25
40
NCB10-F17-__
7.5
30
40
40
NBN15-F11-__
45
10
30
60
2xD
The spacing between targets

should be twice the width of the
target. The width of the target
should be equal to or greater than
the diameter of the sensor face.
The maximum switching frequency
for each sensor is shown in the
individual charts.
Target
Spacing
Note: Unshielded sensors cannot be surrounded by metal on all four sides.
PEPPERL+FUCHS

23

Special Considerations
Model Number Index
Leakage Current and

Voltage Drop Across Sensors
When using 2-wire self-contained sensors,
consideration must be given to leakage current and
voltage drop when choosing the load. The drawings
below show ladder diagrams to better explain the
effects of 2-wire self-contained sensors.
The voltage and current values shown are worst case.
24VDC
Mechanical
Limit Switch
Main Menu
Hazardous Locations
P+F NAMUR sensors may be used in potentially
explosive atmospheres when used in conjunction
with P+F FM and CSA approved switch isolators.
These may be used in place of explosion-proof
sensors, resulting in substantial cost savings.
NAMUR sensors may be utilized in locations
of all classes, divisions and groups without
explosion-proof enclosures or conduit.
Load
APPROVED
Current (mA)
1
Back One Page
FM
Current (mA)
0
2-wire DC
Self-Contained
Proximity Sensor
Table of Contents
Hazardous Area
Certified
Safe Area
Load
P+F Switch Isolator
Mechanical
Limit Switch
Load
Voltage (V)
2-wire DC
Self-Contained
Proximity Sensor
P+F NAMUR
Proximity Sensor
24
Load
Voltage (V)
20
120VAC
Mechanical
Limit Switch
Current (mA)
0
2-wire AC
Self-Contained
Proximity Sensor
Load
Current (mA)
1.7
Load
Mechanical
Limit Switch
Load
2-wire AC
Self-Contained
Proximity Sensor
Voltage (V)
120
Load
Voltage (V)
115
24
PEPPERL+FUCHS


Model Number Index
Table of Contents
Main Menu
Back One Page
Special Considerations
Mechanical
Series and Parallel Wiring

Self-contained proximity sensors may be connected either
in series or in parallel in order to create AND, OR, NAND or
NOR circuits. The following must be considered when
connecting sensors in this manner:
1. Parallel connection For multiple 2-wire sensors
connected in parallel, the leakage currents will add,
and the total leakage current from all sensors will flow
through the load. The drawings below show formulas
that indicate how many sensors can be connected
in parallel.
3-wire sensors may be connected in parallel although
decoupling diodes are recommended. The maximum
number of sensors is restricted by the current capacity
of the supply. The maximum off state draw by P+F
sensors is approximately 10mA, and the maximum
on state current draw is dependent upon the
sensors used.
2. Series connection Proximity sensors have a voltage
drop in the on state. The maximum number of sensors
that may be wired in series is restricted by the voltage
drop across each sensor, supply voltage and minimum
operating voltage of the load. There will be a delay in
operation experienced with series sensors.
Contact
When a proximity sensor
Load
is wired in parallel with a
mechanical contact (see
Proximity Sensor
example at right), the
sensor will not receive
power when the contact
is closed. Therefore, when
Voltage (V)
the mechanical contact
opens and allows power
0
to reach the sensor, it
takes the sensor 10s to overcome its readiness delay.
During this time it is possible for the load to de-energize.
As a result, caution must be taken when using proximity
sensors as latching contacts. The same is true for
proximity sensors wired in series with mechanical contacts.
In this case, however, the proximity sensor will not operate
until the contact is closed.
Mechanical
Contact
Proximity Sensor
Current
0
Load
Metric Threads
All P+F sensors have metric threads as shown in the
dimensional diagrams.
Series
2-wire
sensors
Load
Consult Factory
Example: M18x1
(18mm diameter and 1mm/thread)
Conduit adapters (page 579) are available from P+F
which have metric threads on one end and 1/2" NPT
threads on the other.
Parallel
2-wire
sensors
Load
Sensors =
Holding current load

leakage current
-1
Temperature range:
-14F to +158F
Extended temperature range of -40F to +212F
available on some models.
Series
3-wire sensors
PNP output
shown,
reverse polarity
for NPN output
Sensor Specifications
Repeatability:
Load
( )
( )
( )
( )
.01mm when tested at 75F 10% with a nominal

supply voltage of VS 5%.
Hysteresis:
Consult Factory
0.03mm to 3mm for inductive sensors

0.03mm to 10mm for capacitive sensors
Parallel
Shock: (IEC 68-2-6)
3-wire sensors
PNP output
shown,
reverse polarity
for NPN output
( )
( )
Load
The maximum number of sensors is restricted by the current capacity of supply voltage source.
If five or fewer 3-wire DC sensors are wired in parallel, decoupling diodes are typically not required.
PEPPERL+FUCHS
Sinewave, acceleration 30 times gravitational constant,

less than 11 milliseconds, 3 shocks in both directions
(forward and back), in all three planes, X, Y and Z.
Vibration: (IEC 68-2-27)

Frequency range 10-55Hz, amplitude 1mm, cycle time
5 minutes, 30 minutes in each plane X, Y and Z.

25

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