Sensor element of an inductive proximity or distance sensor containing coil arrangement having electrically-conductive shielding with flange completely enclosing the coil arrangement and method for operating the sensor element

A sensor element of an inductive proximity sensor or distance sensor, the sensor element comprising:

• a shielding comprising a flange and a shielding cup, the shielding being electrically-conductive, the flange being connected to the shielding cup in an electrically conductive manner, the shielding cup having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end disposed opposite from the first longitudinal end;
• and
• a coil arrangement comprising at least one excitation coil and at least one receiving coil;
• wherein the shielding cup surrounds the coil arrangement laterally and with the second longitudinal end;
• wherein the flange is connected to the first longitudinal end of the shielding cup;
• wherein the flange completely encloses the coil arrangement;
• wherein the excitation coil is connected to a voltage-controlled current source, the voltage-controlled current source providing an excitation current of the excitation coil;
• wherein a microcontroller for providing a digital output signal for controlling a signal shaper for shaping a temporal current course of the excitation current is provided;
• wherein a two-stage amplifier is provided for amplifying a measuring voltage provided by the at least one receiving coil;
• and
• wherein at least a first amplifier stage of the two-stage amplifier is a capacitor-coupled transimpedance amplifier.