4. Limit switch detection

Proximity sensors are used to generate an electrical signal that indicates when the piston has reached its end-of-stroke position. In connection with pneumatic cylinders, these sensors are commonly referred to as cylinder sensors or end-of-stroke sensors.

There are 2 main proximity sensor technologies:

• electrical or electronic sensors,

• pneumatic and mechanical sensors.

This section explains how these different technologies work, and the applications for which they are suited.