I was asked by a group member to explain how crankshaft position sensor works,

Note that some companies call it Crankshaft Angle Sensor I can start by
mentioning that a crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is an electronic device used
in an internal combustion engine, both petrol and diesel, to monitor the position
or rotational speed of the crankshaft. This information is used by engine
management systems to control the fuel injection or the ignition system timing and
other engine parameters.
First of all let us know that crankshaft position sensor is not used by conventional
diesel engines, but used by power Tec engines which is electronic engines.
Mainly to start electronic diesel engine we should confirm three conditions:
1. Piston number one should be in TDC (Top Dead Center).
2. Both intake and exhaust valves are closed.
3. Engine RPM should be 180 to 200 RPM, which is required to build up
enough compression to ignite the fuel.
CPS cooperate with Camshaft Sensor to confirm to Engine Control Module
(ECM) / Engine Control Unit (ECU) that Piston number one is at TDC, at that
moment ECM instruct the Electronic Unit Injector (EUI) Unit to inject fuel to
combustion chamber of piston number one and that is good enough to let the
engine start.
Normally Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Sensor are identical.

Cam shaft Position Sensor / Camshaft Sensor

I need to let you know that sensor location may differ from one car or engine to
another.
Electronic Unit Injector

ECM / ECU