Glossary · Sensors and measurement
Displacement sensor
Also known as: Linear displacement sensor, Travel sensor
German: Wegsensor
In measurement technology, a displacement sensor is a sensor that measures the change in position of an object along a path, either with contact (for example potentiometric or LVDT) or without contact (for example laser, eddy-current or capacitive).
- Sensors
In one sentence
A displacement sensor measures how far an object moves along a path, with contact or without, and outputs the travel as a signal.
Example
A magnetostrictive displacement sensor built into a hydraulic cylinder reports the piston position to the press controller.
How it applies
- Engineering: Short strokes and high resolution suggest LVDT, eddy-current or capacitive sensors; long strokes suggest magnetostrictive, cable-extension or optical systems. Check linearity, temperature drift and the output interface.
- Commissioning: Zero and span must be matched to the mechanical stroke; scaling in the controller converts the signal into millimeters.
- Documentation: Record the mechanical zero point and scaling. Replacement instructions should include the adjustment steps so that the controller reads the same values as before.
Displacement sensor vs. distance sensor
A displacement sensor measures relative movement of a part, often mechanically coupled to it. A Distance sensor measures the distance to a target without contact, often over longer ranges. The two overlap for non-contact displacement measurement.