PLC &

AUTOMATION
CHAPTER 2
MRS ROSLINDA BINTI ISMAIL
 Definition of sensors

Device that change in physical stimulus

and turn into measurable signal
Logical sensors
Can only detect a state that is
either true or false
What is the physical phenomena for logical sensors work?

METAL LIGHT

Is a metal object nearby? Is an object breaking

light ?

DIELECTRIC TOUCH

Is a dielectric object Is an object touch a

nearby? switch?
Types of logical sensors

Contact switches Proximity sensors Photo optics

Detect object that touch the A device that detect presence The object being detected
switch of an object without physical breaks a beam of light
contact
Example of logical sensors

Proximity

Capacitive, inductive

Contact switches

Limit switches, push

button,reed switch
Photo optics

Breaking light, reflecting light,

diffused light
Types of Proximity Sensor

Inductive proximity sensor Capacitive proximity sensor

Detect metal only Detect metal & non metal

Inductive proximity sensor operation
Detect metal

Consist of a coil wound around a ferrous

metallic core

Used currents induced by magnetic fields

to detect nearby metal object

The measuring inductance sensor only can

detect when metal object have been brought
nearby
Basic operation of inductive proximity
sensor

When a piece of conductive metal

enters the zone defined by the
boundaries of the electromagnetic
field, some of the energy of oscillation
is transferred into the metal of the
target. This transferred energy Upon
detection of the target by the Schmitt
Trigger, the sensor’s output is switched
on. . 
 What is a
Capacitive Proximity Sensor?
 Capacitive proximity
sensor are non-contact
device that can detect
both metal and non
metal object
Capacitive sensing technology is often used in other sensing
technologies such as:

• flow
• pressure
• liquid level
• spacing
• thickness
• ice detection
• shaft angle or linear position
• dimmer switches
• key switches
• x-y tablet
• accelerometers
 Principle of operation
capacitive proximity sensor
A capacitive sensor acts like a simple
capacitor.  A metal plate in the sensing
face of the sensor is electrically
connected to an internal oscillator
circuit and the target to be sensed acts
as the second plate of the capacitor. 
Unlike an inductive sensor that
produces an electromagnetic field a
capacitive sensor produces an
electrostatic field.
Principle and major types of photo optic
sensor

Reflective model Retroreflective model Thrubeam model

Types of photoelectric sensor

•A reflective-type photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light

beam reflected from the target
•A photoelectric sensor emits a light beam (visible or infrared) from
its light-emitting element.
•A reflective-type photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light
beam reflected from the target
 •A beam of light is emitted from the light emitting element and is
Reflective model received by the light receiving element.
•Both the light emitting and light receiving elements are contained in a
single housing. The sensor receives the light reflected from the target.
Thrubeam model
The transmitter and receiver are separated. When the target is between the
transmitter and receiver, the light is interrupted.
Retroreflective model
Both the light emitting and light receiving elements are contained in same
housing. The light from the emitting element hits the reflector and returns to the
light receiving element. When a target is present, the light is interrupted.
Applications of Photoelectric Sensors across various Industries.

● Food & Beverage Industry:

Manufacturing and packaging lines in the food and beverage industries also use photoelectric sensors. For example, a plant to cap
bottles must be equipped with correctly aligning and orienting each bottle cap. If there are any mistakes in the positioning, the
photoelectric sensors can help to detect them to allow for the smooth running of the plant. 
● Automotive Industry:
When the body of an automobile is built, each component needs to travel down the production line with reliable consistency. Each
part needs to slow down and stop in front of the relevant station with perfect timing so that it can be welded or otherwise processed
without any error. Photoelectric sensors can detect when the relevant station is near so that the line can stop and the component can
be processed.
Photoelectric sensors used in the automotive industry have high precision that makes it possible for them to give accurate results
even while operating around various objects with glossy surfaces.
● Machine Engineering:
For big machines that need to be operated in perfect synchronization, photoelectric sensors can provide a good level of reliability. In
such cases, there is no room for mistake and photoelectric sensors can help to make placement and removal of machine components
efficiently.
Applications of Photoelectric Sensors across various Industries.

● Doors & Gates:

Automatic doors and gates, for example on buses, trains, elevators, garages, etc. need to have reliable sensing technology so that
they open and close at correct times. The entire area in front of the door needs to be under the sensing area for the automated doors
to work properly. Photoelectric sensors coupled with infrared scanners can detect approaching people or vehicles.
● Material Handling:
In storage facilities that have complete or semi-automation, photoelectric sensors make it possible to efficiently track objects in
storage, help with automating the storing and stacking of goods, and helps maintain inventories.
● Pharmaceutical Industry:
Pharmaceutical industry applications such as packaging of medicines also use photoelectric sensors. During packaging, sensors
can be used to avoid discrepancies such as empty packaging due to medicine tablets not being present on the line, etc.
Photoelectric sensors are evolving with the rise in demand and accurate, efficient sensors are available that can be used for various
purposes. With a sensing range of up to 40mm, the Photoelectric Sensor range from Bulgin provides efficient sensing. They
have a high IP rating making it ideal for them to be used in harsh conditions, too. 
Differences between Inductive and Capacitive sensors

CAPACITIVE SENSORS INDUCTIVE SENSORS

Principle Works by sensing the variations Works by sensing the variations
of capacitance. in electro-magnetic field.
Range 4-60mm 4-100mm
Application Capacitive sensors can be used They are used in metal
to sense metals, liquids, detectors, brush holders and
granules, paper, wood etc. dryers in car washes, bottling
plants, machine tools, motorized
valves and many other industrial
applications.
Sensing material Metallic and non metallic. Metallic objects only.
What is a Switch?
A Switch is a device which is designed to
interrupt the current flow in a circuit. In
simple words, a Switch can make or break
an electrical circuit.
Types of Switches
● Basically, Switches can be of two types. They are:
• Mechanical
• Electronic
● Mechanical Switches are physical switches, which must be
activated physically, by moving, pressing, releasing, or touching its
contacts.
● Electronic Switches, on the other hand, do not require any
physical contact in order to control a circuit. These are activated
by semiconductor action.
Mechanical Switches
Mechanical switches can be classified into different types
based on several factors such as method of actuation
(manual, limit and process switches), number of contacts
(single contact and multi contact switches), number of poles
and throws (SPST, DPDT, SPDT, etc.), operation and
construction (push button, toggle, rotary, joystick, etc.), based
on state (momentary and locked switches), etc.
 Toggle Switch

• A toggle switch is manually actuated (or pushed up or down) by a

mechanical handle, lever or rocking mechanism. These are commonly
used as light control switches.

• Most of these switches come with two or more lever positions which are
in the versions of SPDT, SPST, DPST and DPDT switch. These are used for
switching high currents (as high as 10 A) and can also be used for
switching small currents.

• These are available in different ratings, sizes and styles and are used for
different type of applications. The ON condition can be any of their level
positions, however, by convention the downward is the closed or ON
position.
Limit Switch
Limit Switch
• The control schemes of a limit switch are shown in above figure ,
in which four varieties of limit switches are presented.
• Some switches are operated by the presence of an object or by
the absence of objects or by the motion of machine instead of
human hand operation. These switches are called as limit
switches.
• These switches consist of a bumper type of arm actuated by an
object. When this bumper arm is actuated, it causes the switch
contacts to change position.
Switch Styles
Toggle
Slide
Momentary Contact
● Push Button Normally Open
● PBNO
● Red in color
Momentary Contact
● Push Button Normally Closed
● PBNC
● Black in color
THANKS!