Types of Magnetic Sensors

A small glass tube with two embedded metal plates - it looks like a very simple solution. And indeed, it is, except that the plates are made of a special material that, when exposed to a magnetic field, causes them to deflect. This is how a reed switch, one of the most popular sensors based on magnetic forces, works. If a reed switch is placed in a magnetic field and the field is strong enough, the plates will come into contact and allow current to flow through the element. Reed switches are most commonly a part of various control systems, as they themselves are not equipped with any additional accessories. It should be noted that they are not suitable for heavy loads and are generally used as control elements. On the other hand, Hall sensors utilize the phenomenon of an electric voltage appearing in materials placed in a magnetic field, with these materials needing to be conductive. This physical phenomenon was discovered by Edwin Herbert Hall as far back as 1879. Currently, these sensors come in many different types, often with additional elements such as voltmeters, amplifiers, or controllers. Both types of sensors are widely distributed and used in places we wouldn't even suspect. However, it's important to remember the main difference between them. Reed switches indicate the presence of a magnetic field, while Hall sensors can also measure the value of this field.