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Home » Capacitive Proximity Sensor Circuit

Capacitive Proximity Sensor Circuit

Last updated on 12 July 2025 by Admin-Lavi 2 Comments

This Capacitive Proximity Sensor Circuit circuit work like human electronic watchdog.

It feel when someone comes close by using electric parts.

These kind of circuit are used in smart home things, auto light and security system.

The circuit sees changes around it and mostly when person come near.

Then it does something like blink light or make alarm sound.

Circuit Working:

Capacitive Proximity Sensor Circuit Diagram

Parts List:

ComponentQuantity
Resistors (All resistors are 1/4 watt unless specified)
22k2
1k2
10k2
100k1
8.7M1
2.2k1
Presets VR1, VR2 25k2
Preset VR3 1M2
Capacitors
Ceramic C1, C2, C4, C6 =120pF4
Ceramic C3, C5 = 100nF2
Ceramic C7 = 330nF1
Electrolytic C8 = 100μF 16V1
Semiconductors
Transistors BF4942
Transistors BS170, BS2502
Diodes D1 to D4 1N41484
Relay1
Coils L1, L2 = 470uH2
Metal plate1

This presence detector also called capacitive proximity sensor react when metal thing or person come close.

P1 preset stay far from main detector circuit and uses to change how sensitive it is.

Even it does not see object moving still work good as proximity sensor.

We can change detect distance by turning P1 preset.

One big use of this circuit is to open door automatic when put in front of door.

This presence detector have two parts: one monostable and other one is clapp oscillator with T1 transistor.

Sensor surface act like capacitor in oscillator circuit.

Clapp oscillator work around 1MHz because it give good frequency stable.

P2 preset use to set how long the switch stays ON.

Important not to put metal things near the circuit because it can make relay stay closed.

This circuit also can find strong liquids and good thing is sensor does not touch liquid directly.

Formula:

Normally transistor type capacitive proximity detector use change in capacitance when object come close to ground and sensor plate.

Transistor work like oscillator or amplifier to catch this change in capacitance.

Oscillator work at frequency f and we can guess this frequency with this formula:

f = 1 / 2πLC

where:

  • f is frequency of oscillator.
  • L is coil inductor in circuit.
  • C is total capacitor value also include sensor capacitance (Cproximity).

When capacitance change because object come near it also change oscillator frequency.

By watching this frequency change we know if something is close to sensor or not.

Which resistor, capacitor or transistor we use, it all changes how good the sensor work.

Sensitivity stable working and how far it can detect all depend on these parts.

Maybe we need to adjust some parts to make it work better for our use.

How to Build:

To build a Capacitive Proximity Sensor Circuit follow the below mentioned steps:

Circuit Diagram:

  • Connect Parts Like in the schematic above.

Oscillator Part T1:

  • Put R1, R2, C1 and T1 together to make clapp oscillator.
  • Keep capacitor C1 near the sensor place.

Monostable Part:

  • Join R3, C2 and D1 to make monostable section.
  • Use preset P2 to set how long switch stays ON.

Preset P1:

  • Connect P1 so we can change how sensitive the sensor is.

Relay Connection:

  • Wire the relay so it can control something like open door automatic.

Power Supply:

  • Before we connect power be sure voltage is right for the circuit and all parts.

Testing Time:

  • Turn ON the circuit and check if it working.
  • Use P1 and P2 to adjust sensor distance and time delay.

Important Notes:

  • Follow the circuit diagram carefully.
  • Double check all wire and part connections.
  • Be careful with electricity and use correct voltage.
  • During testing, do not put metal things near sensor it can mess up the working.

Conclusion:

This type of Capacitive Proximity Sensor Circuit help in better safety, save energy and do auto work.

Parts and design may change based on what we need.

This is just a simple guide maybe we need to change things depending what parts we have.

If anyone is not sure how to do better ask expert or someone who know electronics.

References:

Capacitive Proximity Sensing

Filed Under: Sensors and Detectors

About Admin-Lavi

Lavi is a B.Tech electronics engineer with a passion for designing new electronic circuits. Do you have questions regarding the circuit diagrams presented on this blog? Feel free to comment and solve your queries with quick replies

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Steve Samson says

    29 January 2025 at 22:37

    I have two questions.

    1. Regarding the Capacitive Proximity Sensor Circuit, what are the values of L1 and L2?

    2. Regarding the Shadow Detector Security Alarm Circuit, can you parallel photodiodes?
    For my model railroad crossing signals, a train needs to be detected from either direction over a span of about three feet. The signal needs to stay activated even if the train stops on the crossing. If I could parallel photodiodes placed about 3 inches apart, this circuit could work. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

    Reply
    • Admin-Lavi says

      30 January 2025 at 14:17

      Hey Steve,
      I have updated the L1, L2 values (470uH) in the article parts list, please check it out.
      Regarding your second question, yes you can add two photo diodes in parallel for your model rail road crossing system.
      Please let me know how it goes!

      Reply

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