Method for the detection of a predamping state and inductive sensor with predamping detection

Inductive sensor with predamping detection,

• with an oscillator having a resonant circuit and an oscillation amplifier,
• with an evaluating and control device for analyzing an oscillatory response of the oscillator,
• the oscillation amplifier being designed for amplification with an operating amplification,
• wherein
• the oscillation amplifier is designed for amplification with at least one analysis amplification,
• the evaluating and control device is set up for detecting a predamping state by analyzing the oscillatory response of the oscillator with the operating amplification and with the at least one analysis amplification,
• the at least one analysis amplification is lower than the operating amplification and
• the at least one analysis amplification of the oscillator is chosen in such a way that the oscillatory response of the oscillator reacts sensitively to objects located in close proximity to the inductive sensor and which predamp the inductive sensor, and
• the evaluating and control device is set up for emitting a switching signal if the oscillator does not oscillate during operating amplification.