Often referred to as a Hall Switch, a magnetic switch is an electronic device which activates an output when a magnet is placed in front of it, creating a magnetic field. There are many different kinds of Magnetic switches available, and it is important to understand the differences between these switches before purchasing one so that you buy the switch to best suit your need.
A Reed Switch operates by opening or closing when in the presence of a magnet. These switches are ideal for items such as battery operated alarm systems because they do not utilize any power. In order to operate, these switches are placed almost, but not quite, touching. Upon magnetizing one side of the switch with a magnetic pole, North or South, the other side either remains inactivated or is magnetized with the opposite pole. This causes the two sides to attract, closing the gap and thus the magnetic field between them.
A Speed Switch operates by detecting a target moving faster or slower than a pre-set speed. Different models utilize different types of magnetized triggers such as multi-pole magnetic tape or other ferrous metal objects. When one of these triggers passes the face of the switch a digital or relay closure output is produced. While some models have a pre-determined output, others are designed to allow field speed adjustment.
A Ferrous Metal Detector operates by producing digital output when ferrous steel is in front of its sensor. As the distance between the metal and the sensor face is decreased, the flux field, or the flow rate of the electric field between the two objects, increases. When this happens an output transistor is activated. Different models are available, some with a pre-set strength and others with the ability to be adjusted. Because the magnetic field is unaffected by non-ferrous steels, these magnetic switches can be used to detect metal through barriers such as aluminum, titanium, or brass.
A Hall Switch Quadrature Sensor operates by utilizing two digital Hall switches side by side. Each switch has its own output which is activated when a magnet passes the sensor's face in a specific direction. This allows the sensor to determine which direction an object is moving.
Dual Output Hall Switches also operate using two outputs, each responding to a different magnetic pole. A magnet wheel possessing multiple South poles and a single North pole to set the home position can be used with this switch. If two magnets are then placed at and different ends of a moving target the North and South poles will be able to determine end of travel accordingly. These magnetic switches can also be used in determining coil energization direction.
A Hall Latch is designed to send out a high digital output when a North pole magnet is brought to the sensor and low digital output when a South pole magnet is brought up to it. This sensor is unique in that when the magnet is removed the switch will remain activated.
Although the functionality behind magnetic switches is complex, it is important to understand the basics before purchasing one, and by becoming familiar with some of the different types available, you will be able to make a better decision when you do.
A Reed Switch operates by opening or closing when in the presence of a magnet. These switches are ideal for items such as battery operated alarm systems because they do not utilize any power. In order to operate, these switches are placed almost, but not quite, touching. Upon magnetizing one side of the switch with a magnetic pole, North or South, the other side either remains inactivated or is magnetized with the opposite pole. This causes the two sides to attract, closing the gap and thus the magnetic field between them.
A Speed Switch operates by detecting a target moving faster or slower than a pre-set speed. Different models utilize different types of magnetized triggers such as multi-pole magnetic tape or other ferrous metal objects. When one of these triggers passes the face of the switch a digital or relay closure output is produced. While some models have a pre-determined output, others are designed to allow field speed adjustment.
A Ferrous Metal Detector operates by producing digital output when ferrous steel is in front of its sensor. As the distance between the metal and the sensor face is decreased, the flux field, or the flow rate of the electric field between the two objects, increases. When this happens an output transistor is activated. Different models are available, some with a pre-set strength and others with the ability to be adjusted. Because the magnetic field is unaffected by non-ferrous steels, these magnetic switches can be used to detect metal through barriers such as aluminum, titanium, or brass.
A Hall Switch Quadrature Sensor operates by utilizing two digital Hall switches side by side. Each switch has its own output which is activated when a magnet passes the sensor's face in a specific direction. This allows the sensor to determine which direction an object is moving.
Dual Output Hall Switches also operate using two outputs, each responding to a different magnetic pole. A magnet wheel possessing multiple South poles and a single North pole to set the home position can be used with this switch. If two magnets are then placed at and different ends of a moving target the North and South poles will be able to determine end of travel accordingly. These magnetic switches can also be used in determining coil energization direction.
A Hall Latch is designed to send out a high digital output when a North pole magnet is brought to the sensor and low digital output when a South pole magnet is brought up to it. This sensor is unique in that when the magnet is removed the switch will remain activated.
Although the functionality behind magnetic switches is complex, it is important to understand the basics before purchasing one, and by becoming familiar with some of the different types available, you will be able to make a better decision when you do.