National University of Science and Technology

School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Department of Electrical Engineering

Faculty Member: Dr Mustafa Tehseen

Lab Engineer: Sir Ali Khalid Dated: 10/21/2022

Semester: __5th_________ Section: __BEE 12-B_____

EE-383-Instrumentation and Measurements

LAB 5: Capacitive Proximity Switches

Viva + Lab Analysis of Teamwork Total

Performance data in Lab
(Individual) Report
Name Reg. No

5 Marks 5 Marks 20 Marks

5+5 Marks
Muhammad Hassaan 345660
Saeed

Muhammad Ali 335668

Hamza Ahmed 347751

Maaz Ahmad 350633

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Introduction:
In this Lab students we were introduced with capacitive sensors. They sense different objects by
changing their capacitance. We used different objects and tested if they were detected or not.
Objective:
 To introduce students to capacitive sensors.

 To understand basic circuitry in the sensor.

 metallic Surface Advantages and Disadvantages of sensor

Surface Detected Not Detected

Black Plastic Surface 
White plastic Surface 

Matte black 
Shiny Metallic Surface 
Retroreflective 

Table1: Retro refl ecti ve Block surface observati ons.

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 1: Does the capacitive proximity switch detect all surfaces of the reflective block
Answer: Yes
2: Does Sensor sense your hand when you pass your hand near the sensor? Make
sure sensor is not handheld.
Answer: Yes

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 3: Detect different objects using capacitive sensor.

Material Detected Not Detected

Glass 
Styrofoam 
Wooden Object 
Object with Small 
Area
Paper 
Cardboard 
Metal Watch 

Liquid Detection:
1. According to the ladder diagram which lamp should turn off when proximity switch is
activated in the presence of object?

Ans: The diagram illustrates how l2 is connected to the normal close of the relay, while l1 is attached to the
normal opening of the relay. Consequently, when the sensor detects an object, l1 will illuminate.

This will happen if the object is made from glass, plastic, Styrofoam, etc. In any case, l2 will be turned off if the
thing has high sensitivity and the ability to store charge.

2. Will sensor detect paper, Styrofoam, or cup against sensing face of proximity switch.
Ans: No

3. Will sensor detect Styrofoam cup with water in it?

Ans: Yes
4. Is your prediction of step 3 is confirmed?
Ans: Yes, we confirmed this step
5. Observations with different materials with water in it.
Ans: Yes, Plastic bottles and metallic containers with water inside will be detected as well.

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 Conclusion:
This exercise introduced us to capacitive proximity switches. In this lesson, we learned how to use them, what their
advantages are, and what their disadvantages are.

Additionally, we experimented with adjusting the sensitivity of capacitive proximity switches based on what is being
measured. According to our findings, the sensing ability of capacitive proximity switches is not affected by surface
reflectivity but rather by the dielectric of the material (i.e., the material's nature).

Furthermore, we found that the capacitive proximity switch detects the presence of liquid in a paper or Styrofoam cup.

1. What type of materials do capacitive switches detect

Ans: A capacitive proximity switch can detect both metallic and nonmetallic materials, including metallic
watches, liquids, and fabrics.

2. What are the four main parts of capacitive proximity switches?

Ans: A capacitive sensor consists of four main parts, the body, the sensing face, the indicator light,
and the cable or cable connection.

3. Name two parameters that affect the sensitivity of capacitive switch.

Ans: Object size and sensor probe size are factors that affect capacitive switch sensitivity.
4. Why capacitive proximity switches must be spaced from surrounding surfaces and other sensors.
Ans: Since the electric field of the sensor might be affected by the object or sensors surrounding it. As a
result, it will start detecting that thing instead of the target
5. Why capacitive switches are equipped with sensitivity adjustment equipment.
Ans:  Due to the fact that they measure a dielectric gap, it is important to compensate for the target and
adjust accordingly.

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