A real time controlled large-gap magnetic suspension using one-dimensional position measurement

A contact image sensor is used as the position sensor for real-time control of a magnetic suspension system. The system contains a line light source and a linear photosensor array. The object to be measured is suspended between the light source and the sensor array. It acts as a mask to shade and shape of the light reaching the sensor array. No advanced optical system for light focusing and calibration is necessary. The mechanical adjustment of the measurement system is not critical, and the method is relatively economical. Results show that the sensor system is effective in real-time measurement systems for magnetic suspension control applications