Switching frequency in the sensor technology context

What is meant by switching frequency?

DDefinition: The switching frequency is the maximum number of switching operations of a sensor per second. Put more generally, one can say: The switching frequency is a measure of how often the sensor switches on and off per second. The switching frequency is given in Hz (= 'per second'). Switching frequencies vary greatly from sensor to sensor. The following table provides some typical values:


Sketch of switching frequency
The maximum number of switching operations is determined by means of a rotating serrated wheel with specifically sized, shaped and positioned sections that are alternatingly raised and recessed. The recesses must be twice as long as the leading edges of the raised sections. The raised sections have rectangular profiles. The sensor to be tested is placed in front of the test gear at a distance S of half its nominal switching distance Sn. The wheel is accelerated and the threshold frequency is determined at which the sensor just continues to switch. This is then referred to as the switching frequency.

 

Sensor type
Switching frequency
Inductive sensor
200 ... 300 Hz
Capacitive sensor
5 ... 20 Hz
Photoelectric sensor
200 ... 1500 Hz
Laser sensor
1 ... 35 Hz
Ultrasonic sensor
1 ... 15 Hz
Magnetic sensor
3000 ... 10000 Hz
Sensor
The switching frequency is the maximum number of switching operations of a sensor per second.
Patrick Targonski, Product Manager at autosen
Sensor Sensor
 

Products with varying switching frequencies

 
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Inductive sensor High Resistance Class IP67
AI001Inductive sensor High Resistance Class IP67
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  • Stainless steel housing (V4A) M8 thread
  • M8 connector (3-pin)
  • Flush
  • sensing range 2 mm
  • Normally open (NO)
42.16
39.84
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Inductive sensor High Resistance Class IP68
AI004Inductive sensor High Resistance Class IP68
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  • Metal housing M18 thread
  • M12 connector (3-pin)
  • Flush
  • sensing range 8 mm
  • Normally open (NO)
37.71
35.64
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Inductive sensor High Resistance Class IP69k
AI027Inductive sensor High Resistance Class IP69k
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  • Metal housing M30x1.5 thread
  • M12 connector (3-pin)
  • Flush
  • sensing range 15 mm
  • Normally closed (NC)
41.21
38.94
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T-slot cylinder sensor with GMR cell
AZ002T-slot cylinder sensor with GMR cell
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  • GMR cell
  • M12 pigtail (3-pin)
  • Flush
  • Switching frequency 10,000 kHz
32.87
31.06