Automatic Gates Use Magnet Sensors for Motor Control

Automatic gates are a common feature in gated compounds, providing security and convenience. Traditionally, these gates are operated by security personnel using a directional button to activate the motor, which then opens or closes the gate. Without a reliable sensing mechanism, the operation of the gate can be prone to errors, such as stopping before the gate is fully open or closing improperly, which can compromise security and cause inconvenience to residents.

Magnet sensors or Reed Switches help improve the reliability of automatic gates. Using a multi-pole ring magnet in the motor shaft and sensing the number of rotations help translate the gate motion to fully open, completely closed or even partially open. The supply to the motor via a solid state relay is directly triggered by the gate microprocessor as it knows how many rotations are needed until the motor needs to be shut off. This works in either directions depending on which buttons are pressed by the security personnel or gate keeper.

When the security guard presses the button to open the gate, the motor is activated, and the gate begins to move. As the gate approaches the fully open position, and the required number of rotations have been reached, the gate motor is made to stop, ensuring that the gate opens completely. Similarly, when the gate is being closed, the motor runs until the the number of required rotations on motor shaft has been reached. Half close locations are also triggered accordingly.

The use of magnet sensors or reed switches in automatic gates offers ease of use by security. By providing precise position sensing, these sensors ensure that the gate operates smoothly and accurately, bringing in convenience to the overall security of the gated compound and security personnel.

Application Classification

Applications are classified as Position Sensing, Pulse Counting, Electromagnetic or Relay, Temperature Sensing or Magnet Biasing types. This application is classified as follows and the link gives more information on best practices to help select the most suitable AT band and matching magnet.

Pulse Counting Type

When an application requires the volume of a fluid, or a distance, or the RPM of a machine tool measured, such an application can be Continue reading -> Sep 29, 2024

Recommended Products

The Reed Switches and Sensors used in such automatic gate applications need to be robust, durable and efficient in meeting a high life expectancy. Our engineers work hard in life testing our products under various conditions, and our intention is to ensure end product durability and life. Although we wouldn’t want to restrict any of our products for use in only certain applications, the recommended products for use in this application are listed below.

M8 Threaded Sensor Cylindrical Sensor, MS-228

MS-228 M8 Threaded Sensor Drawing starFeatures30W Contact Rating. Normally Open contact. Three sensitivity bands. Sputtered Ruthenium Continue reading -> Sep 28, 2024

Line Voltage switching Reed Switch, LV-1925

Full Length LeadsCropped LeadsSMD Formed LeadsVertical MountingHorizontal Mounting starFeaturesContact Rating Configurable. Ruthenium Continue reading -> Sep 3, 2024

High Wattage Reed Switch, HW-5052

HW-5052 High Wattage Reed Switch with Full Length LeadsHW-5052 Reed Switch with Cropped Leads starFeaturesContact Rating Continue reading -> Sep 3, 2024