LDC1101: materials identification

Hi Hyeonyeong,

While it is technically possible to use the LDC1101 for material identification, I would not recommend using inductive sensing for material identification applications. Material identification with inductive sensing is very challenging because there are so many variables to account for. For example, two targets of the same size, shape, and material could produce different changes in inductance if they are angled differently. The target materials must be in the same exact location in reference to the sensor (both axially and laterally), must be the same exact shape, must be angled the same way, must be at the same temperature, and must have the same texture each time they are tested, otherwise the material identification could be inaccurate. Generally, it is very challenging to keep all of these variables constant in a real-world system.

Regards,

Hi Hyeonyeong,

I'd like to give you a bit more information about material identification with LDC devices. It is possible if you are able to control for the variables I mentioned above. The key factors are identifying a very limited number of metals, operating at a very low frequency, and precisely controlling the mechanics of the system. If the metals have large differences in their conductivity and permeability it will be easier to differentiate between them. Your target must be at least as large as the coil, and the distance between the coil and the target should be as close to constant as possible. If your application can meet these system requirements, inductive sensing could be a viable solution for material identification.

Regards,