There are various types of angle sensors, including optical, resistive, pressure, magnetic, and inertial. Each type has unique characteristics and distinct features.
Optical type
Optical angle sensor is a sensor that uses optical principles to measure changes in the angle of an object. They use optical devices such as photodiodes or lasers for measurement. It has extremely high accuracy and is commonly used in applications that require strict precision angle measurement, such as robotics, industrial automation, aerospace, and medical equipment.
OSI Optical Sensor DLS-4
2. Resistance type
A resistive angle sensor is an angle sensor that measures the angular position of an object by detecting changes in resistance. Resistive angle sensors have low cost and high reliability, and are suitable for applications that do not require high precision, such as knob control in household appliances. Rotary potentiometers and spring-loaded resistive elements are common types.
Bourns Resistance Sensor 3382G-1-103G
3. Pressure type
Pressure type angle sensor is a sensor that uses pressure changes to infer changes in the angle of an object. Common types such as piezoelectric and piezoresistive sensors are used in applications that require resistance to high pressure and high temperature environments, such as angle sensors in automotive engines.
4. Magnetic type
Magnetic angle sensors use the principle of magnetic field induction to measure the angle changes of objects, including magneto resistive, Hall effect, and magnetostrictive sensors. Compared with traditional mechanical sensors, magnetic angle sensors have the advantages of durability, high resolution, and resistance to external environmental factors such as dust, dirt, and moisture.
Infineon Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) Sensor TLE5501
5. Inertial type
Inertial angle sensors measure angles based on inertial sensing technology, mainly using accelerometers, gyroscopes, or a combination of both. These sensors are particularly helpful for applications that require precise angle measurement even in dynamic environments where external factors such as motion, tilt, or vibration may affect object orientation. When choosing an angle sensor, the following points should be noted
Accuracy: Firstly, the requirements for angle measurement accuracy in the application scenario should be considered. Some applications may require extremely high precision, while others can accept lower precision. Choose sensors that meet your specific precision requirements.
• Dynamic response capability: For applications that require real-time response to dynamic changes, sensors with high dynamic performance (such as inertial angle sensors) should be considered. For static measurements, other types may be more suitable.
• Environmental adaptability: Choose angle sensors based on the work environment:
Sensors inside car engines need to have high temperature resistance and vibration resistance.
Outdoor or harsh conditions require waterproof, compressive, and corrosion-resistant properties.
• Range and accuracy matching: Ensure that the measurement range and accuracy of the sensor match the application requirements. Choosing angle sensors with a range that is too large or too small may result in inaccurate or unsatisfactory measurement results.
• Signal to noise ratio and stability: A good signal-to-noise ratio can improve measurement accuracy, and stability is the key to long-term reliable performance.
• Balancing cost and performance: Finally, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the cost and performance of angle sensors. High performance sensors may be expensive, while low-cost options may lack accuracy or durability in harsh environments. Balance cost and performance according to your needs.
