Distance and speed sensors
Technology suitable for this type of application is based on the time-of-flight principle, which involves measuring the time it takes for a light, sound or radio signal to travel from a source (a time-of-flight sensor) to an object and back. LiDAR, ultrasonic and radar work well for measurements over longer distances, for example for autonomous vehicles. However, at distances of less than one meter, radar technology is seldom used as the solution becomes too costly.
Highly accurate distance sensors are often found in machines for the semiconductor industry. They are also suitable for accurately scanning surfaces, and detecting pits and mounds at the micrometer level.
Distance sensors can also use the Doppler effect to detect speeds, since the speed can be derived from successive measurements.
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