Developing and testing a capacitive distance sensor for use in industrial environment

In this work, the development and the testing of a capacitive distance sensor, based on E-field measurement, for applications in industrial environments is presented. In particular, the structure and the working principle of the sensor, as well as the process of optimization of the sensing elements and some functional tests in absence of disturbances are described. Then, the EMC precompliance, in particular the radiated susceptibility and the ESD immunity, is experimentally investigated. In particular it must assured that the functionality of the robot will be compliant to safety assessment even in the presence on an external disturb. Results are discussed and solutions to make the apparatus more immune are briefly outlined.