How Angle Sensors Play a Role in New Technology
Listen to this articleDesign engineers continue to look for ways of addressing the challenges surrounding sensing technology. Sensors come in a myriad of designs and specifications. The increasing demand has pushed the boundaries of technology to pave the way for the advanced sensors used today.
An angle sensor has primary application in measuring rotational movement of an object around an axis. All sensors function to convert physical or mechanical qualities into electrical signals. The resulting format should be readable by a computer or any other device used in interpreting sensor output. Angle sensors have many forms and underlying working principles, but in general, angle sensors are flexible devices used across many industries.
Modern uses of angle sensors
People commonly associate angle sensors with machines used in manufacturing and industrial processing. However, these versatile devices are also valuable components in automobile production, off-road vehicles, agricultural equipment, and commercial equipment. In some of these applications, sensors need to have robustness suited for extreme conditions and exposure to hazardous substances.
The internal mechanism of an angle sensor can either be contact or non-contact. Non-contact sensing technology suits applications in harsher environments. With a non-contact angle sensor, the moving parts in the mechanism are not affected by vibration or continuous movement. It is a device that is virtually frictionless and has an unlimited lifespan. The benefits of non-contact angle sensors make them a better alternative to other types of position sensors. Industries such as offshore mining and exploration prefer contactless sensor technology because of durability, longevity, and performance quality.
The future of angle sensors
The world today is focused on interconnected devices and the internet. In line with this, sensors remain an integral part of the continuing trend for innovation. Some of the new requirements for sensors include:
- Miniaturisation
- Decreased power consumption
- Network interface capability
- Signal or data outputs compatible with applications
There is also an emerging trend to produce sensors that will work with smart technology. Manufacturers of smart technology are looking beyond capacitance, resistance, and output voltage. Sensors need to evolve to meet the ongoing requirement of controlling devices using smartphones.
Innovation in sensor technology does not end. It continues to change together with the ongoing demands of society. Here are some radical changes in sensor technology seen today:
- Increased sustainability and environment friendliness. More advanced sensing technologies are incorporating aspects of sustainability in their designs, as evident in angle sensors used for high-powered, fuel-efficient automobiles.
- Nowadays, medical equipment and procedures are becoming more advanced thanks to continuous innovation in the medical field. Sensors play a part in most medical equipment such as robotics.
More advanced devices and machines result in more advanced and sophisticated sensors than before. The trend is to increase accuracy, reduce the size, and incorporate internet connectivity to machinery and devices used for everyday living. Sensor manufacturers face challenges with the speed of innovation and how to consistently meet the demand for better, more durable, and advanced sensors for various applications across different industries. Fortunately, manufacturers are keen to answer these demands and further innovate on the current building blocks of sensor technology.
