Glossary · Sensors and measurement
Distance sensor
Also known as: Distance measuring sensor, Range sensor
German: Abstandssensor
In industrial automation, a distance sensor is a non-contact sensor that measures the distance between the sensor and a target and outputs it as an analog or digital value, using principles such as optical triangulation, time of flight, ultrasound or radar.
- Sensors
In one sentence
A distance sensor measures the distance to a target without contact, using light, ultrasound or radar, and outputs it as a value.
Example
A time-of-flight distance sensor on a stacker crane measures the travel position along the aisle to a reflector at the end of the rack.
How it applies
- Engineering: Triangulation sensors offer high resolution at short ranges; time-of-flight laser, ultrasonic and radar sensors cover longer ranges. Surface, color, angle and ambient conditions such as dust or steam influence the result.
- Commissioning: Set the measuring window and output scaling, and check the reading over the full range with real targets.
- Safety: A distance sensor used for positioning is not a protective device. Measuring distances to people for safeguarding requires rated protective equipment and a safety function designed for it.
- Documentation: Specify the measuring range, target requirements and the effect of contamination on the optics in the operating and maintenance manuals.
Distance sensor vs. displacement sensor
A distance sensor measures the gap to a target without contact. A Displacement sensor measures the travel of a part, often mechanically coupled to it.