Parameters optimization and nonlinearity analysis of grating eddy current displacement sensor using neural network and genetic algorithm

A grating eddy current displacement sensor (GECDS) can be used in a watertight electronic transducer to realize long range displacement or position measurement with high accuracy in difficult industry conditions. The parameters optimization of the sensor is essential for economic and efficient production. This paper proposes a method to combine an artificial neural network (ANN) and a genetic algorithm (GA) for the sensor parameters optimization. A neural network model is developed to map the complex relationship between design parameters and the nonlinearity error of the GECDS, and then a GA is used in the optimization process to determine the design parameter values, resulting in a desired minimal nonlinearity error of about 0.11%. The calculated nonlinearity error is 0.25%. These results show that the proposed method performs well for the parameters optimization of the GECDS.