How to use external power supply for a Proximity Sensor with Arduino

Question

Is it doable to read a proximity sensor values with Arduino Uno, but the sensor requires 24vdc, here's the sensor link

and here's the power supply I'd like to use, this link

This is all for learning purposes, to see how to use an external power source to power a 3-wire 24vdc sensor

Thanks

Answer 1

the power supply voltage of the sensor dosnt matter, only the signal potential matters. Ardunio analog pins needs the input potential between - 5 to +5v so make sure the signal potential lies in between this. One thing to take care while using an external power supply is to make ext and ardunio's ground common.

Answer 2

Since you are doing this for learning purpose you don't have to waste money on that power supply. You can power the probe from arduino if you want so. But you have to take care of these things.

1)Curent consuption As per this pr12-4dp-autonics-12800368 datasheet which is similar to the device you are using the current requirement of the device is 10mA which an arduino uno can provide (40mA is max for arduino uno) check your device data sheet for its current consumption.

2)voltage level Arduino uno power out pins support 5 volts and 3.3 volts. so you have to convert the 5 volt to required volts with help of voltage converter ICs (for example LM2577 IC). check whether the IC you chose supports the current required by the sensor.

3)Input signal logic level from the sensor This you can do with voltage converter ICs or an humble voltage divider circuit.

If you are using the external power supply you have to take care of only 3rd step.