Abstract: A sensor having two electrical terminals to both supply energy and to output an output signal of the sensor. The output signal of the sensor can be output via at least one of the electrical terminals without the use of a current source. The sensor includes at least one electrical component that needs an electrical energy supply to operate. The sensor also includes an output circuit which outputs the output signal by modulation of the voltage potential at at least one of the two electrical terminals. The sensor further includes a voltage-supply circuit for generating a supply voltage from the voltage potentials present at the two electrical terminals to supply energy to the electrical component.

Abstract: An evaluation method for an inductive displacement sensor first temperature-compensates a measured sensor value, and then calibrates same. The temperature compensation is carried out iteratively, utilizing two temperature dependent functions. The first function is based on the temprature-dependency of the measured sensor value, and the second function is based on the dependency of the temperature coefficient of the sensor model used. For a clutch sensor application, a calibration line is defined by two calibration points, which represent a completely engaged state and a just disengaged state, respectively. Continuous measurement of the displacement of an engaged clutch indicates the wear status of the clutch, so that a warning can be transmitted to the driver when the clutch lining has reached a predetermined thickness.