What type of sensor provides information without direct contact with the moving part?

A non-contact limit switch is designed to detect the position or presence of an object without needing to touch it. This is particularly useful in applications where contact with the moving part could cause wear, damage, or interference with the operation. Non-contact limit switches typically utilize technologies such as electromagnetic fields, infrared, or ultrasonic sensors to determine the presence or distance of an object.

In contrast, contact limit switches rely on physical interaction with the moving part to function, which can lead to wear over time. Tachometers measure rotational speed but do not function as limit switches; they provide feedback on speed rather than position. Pressure switches monitor pressure levels within a system, which is a different function altogether and does not pertain to the detection of positions or limits in the same manner as a limit switch. Thus, the characteristics and operational principles of the non-contact limit switch make it the correct answer for providing position information without physical contact.