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Proximity Position Sensor Module
Overview
Multi-sensor positioning with inductive, capacitive, encoder, magnetic reed, and laser ranging for industrial automation. The module combines multiple sensing technologies on a single board, enabling detection of metallic and non-metallic targets, precise shaft rotation tracking, and accurate distance measurement. This versatility supports a wide variety of position-sensing applications without requiring separate sensor modules.
Features
- 2x inductive (12 mm), capacitive input -- Dual inductive proximity sensors detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals at distances up to 12 mm, while the capacitive input senses non-metallic materials such as plastics, liquids, and granulates.
- 1000 PPR quadrature encoder -- High-resolution quadrature encoder input provides precise angular position and velocity measurement for rotating shafts, spindles, and feed drives.
- Laser distance up to ~2 m -- Time-of-flight laser ranging measures linear distances with millimeter-level resolution, suitable for level sensing, positioning, and dimensional verification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Inductive range | 0 - 12 mm (2 channels) |
| Capacitive input | 1 channel, configurable |
| Encoder resolution | 1000 PPR (4000 counts/rev) |
| Encoder max speed | 6000 RPM |
| Laser range | 50 mm - 2000 mm |
| Laser accuracy | +/-3 mm |
| Reed/digital inputs | 2 channels |
| Interface | RS-485 (Modbus RTU) |
| Supply voltage | 5 V (from Edge backplane) |
Applications
- Cycle counting and conveyor monitoring -- Use inductive or reed inputs to count production cycles, detect item passage on conveyors, and measure conveyor belt speed for throughput tracking.
- Robotic arm position validation -- Verify end-effector and joint positions using encoder feedback and laser ranging to ensure accurate and repeatable robotic movements.
- Door and gate position sensing -- Monitor open/closed states and travel positions of industrial doors, safety gates, and sliding mechanisms using inductive or reed switch inputs.
Edge Integration
Transmits position data, counter values, and discrete states to the Edge over RS-485 using Modbus RTU. Thresholds, debounce settings, and IO mapping are configurable through the Edge web UI. The module is auto-discovered on the sensor bus and registers its channel configuration automatically.