Proximity sensing provides an on/off response when a magnet approaches close enough to a digital magnetic sensor.  This is useful for detecting things such as door closures, object presence, or home positioning.  This article looks at the situation where the magnet moves parallel to the sensor.   A numerical example will be worked through to illustrate the process of magnet design.

Problems can be expensive.  Time is lost.  Money is lost.  Customers get frustrated with you.  Avoid as many problems as you can by using simulation and experimentation at the beginning of a project.

You have a magnetic sensing application.  You have a tentative idea as to the magnet and sensor design you'd like to use.  One of the most important things you can do is run a feasibility study.  This will help you decide how much chance of success your design has before you start working on it.

Proximity sensing provides an on/off response when a magnet approaches close enough to a digital magnetic sensor.  This is useful for detecting things such as door closures, object presence, or home positioning.  This article looks at the situation where the magnet directly approaches the sensor.