Sensor Tips keeps engineering and industry professionals up to date with the latest position and inclinometer sensor news. Our articles below were written by engineers and industry professionals, for engineers and industry professionals. Read on to learn more about inclinometer and position sensors.

ASM Introduces Compact MEMS Inclinometer for OEM Applications

ASM introduces its smallest addition to the POSITILT® inclinometer series that is available in single and dual axis versions. By using MEMS technology, this new inclinometer PTAM20 series is packaged into a very compact, flat housing making it ideally suited for OEM applications. The measurement range for the single axis version is available from +/- 15° to +/- 180°, in increments of 15°. For the dual axis version, the measurement range is available from +/- 15° to +/- 60°, in increments of 15°.

Due to its small size of 7mm in height and 48 mm in diameter, the PTAM20 series inclinometer has been designed to fit into the tightest locations in OEM applications. The enclosure is rated IP60 which is suitable for many instrumentation functions.

The maximum measurement range for the single axis version is +/- 180° and +/- 60° for each axis in the dual axis version. Each version is available with smaller ranges in +/- 15° increments. Several analogue output types are available: 0.5-4.5 V, 0.5-10 V and 4-20 mA.

The resolution is 0.05° and the linearity is up to +/- 0.5°. Each version offers high shock resistance.

ASM UK
www.asm-sensor.co.uk

Servo Inclinometers Have IP64 Environmentally Sealed Housing

Sherborne Sensors announced the North American market introduction of the LSI series, a family of cost-effective, rugged, closed loop gravity referenced servo inclinometers. The LSI series is specially designed to withstand severe shock and vibration inputs, for precision measurement capabilities in even the most demanding of environments.

The LSI series incorporates a unique, flexure-supported torque balancing system, which is rugged enough to withstand shock inputs of 1500 g, yet still provides excellent accuracy and repeatability over a wide operating temperature range. For added durability, sensor components and associated electronics are contained within IP64 environmentally sealed housing. Units are available in ranges of ±14.5°, ±30° and ±90°, and offer a high level, 5-Volt analog DC-output signal, proportional to sine of the angle of tilt. LSI series models are fully self-contained, and are able to connect to a DC power source and a readout or control device, to form a complete operating system. These robust units are ideal for use in civil engineering, structural monitoring, geophysical and seismic studies, machinery and structural alignment, pipeline leveling, crane safety and satellite antenna leveling applications, among others. Recommended accessories include bi-polar power supplies and the new DTI series digital panel indicator, which allows a user to read outputs directly in degrees. All are available from Sherborne Sensors.

www.sherbornesensors.com

AccuStar® Electronic Clinometer from Sherborne Sensors

Sherborne Sensors has announced the AccuStar® electronic clinometer, designed to provide precision angular measurements within applications where a high degree of accuracy is required.

The unique design of the AccuStar® incorporates a capacitance-based sensor without moving parts. When rotated about its sensitive axis, this sensor provides a fundamentally linear variation in capacitance, which is electronically converted into high-precision angular data. Available in choice of analog, ratiometric, digital or serial models, the AccuStar® electric clinometer offers a ±60° measurement range, outputting a signal that corresponds to the direction and magnitude of angular displacement. The highly compact AccuStar® measures just two inches (50 mm) in diameter and weighs just two ounces (60 grams) for easy installation, with units designed to reliably operate in temperatures of -30 to +65°C. The sensor and its associated low-power CMOS electronics are encased in a rugged plastic housing.

With its durable, high-performance design, the AccuStar® is ideal for a multitude of applications, including off-highway vehicles, wheel alignment, construction equipment, antenna positioning and robotics applications, as well as other portable or mobile applications where space constraints or environmental concerns preclude the use of other types of precision angle measurement devices.

Sherborne Sensors
www.sherbornesensors.com

Inclinometer Packaged To Be Compact, Ideal For OEM Applications

Automated Control Engineering is the exclusive national supplier of the newest ASM product. ASM has introduced its smallest addition to the POSITILT® inclinometer series that is available in single and dual axis versions. By using MEMS technology, this new inclinometer PTAM20 series is packaged into a very compact, flat housing making it ideally suited for OEM applications.

The measurement range for the single axis version is available from +/- 15° to +/- 180°, in increments of 15°. For the dual axis version, the measurement range is available from +/- 15° to +/- 60°, in increments of 15°. The resolution is 0.05° and the linearity is up to +/- 0.5°. Several analogue output types are available that include: 0.5-4.5 V, 0.5-10 V and 4-20 mA. Each version offers high shock resistance and is rated IP60 which is suitable for many instrumentation functions.

Absolute Encoders from Stegmann

DAYTON, OH – SICK STEGMANN, INC. introduces AFS60 Singleturn and AFM60 Multiturn Absolute Encoders. With the help of a simple programming tool, users, system integrators and distributors can self-configure any programmable version of the AFM/AFS60 via a PC or laptop in seconds, without the need for an external voltage supply. Resolutions up to 262,144 singleturn and 4,096 revolutions multiturn, zero point or offset and the counting direction can be freely selected.

Their innovative design allows a 30 mm distance between bearings which decreases vibration, increases bearing life, and delivers exceptionally smooth operation even at the maximum operating speed. Coupled with a robust Nickel code disc, they are particularly suited to determining position, angle, speed or acceleration in harsh application environments requiring both maximum accuracy and reliability. These revolutionary encoders come with an option of a pluggable outlet that can be used as either a radial or axial cable outlet which reduces installation depth and provides simple cable replacement, if needed. The AFM60 multiturn provides 30-bit resolution, and the AFS60 singleturn provides 18-bit resolution, at speeds up to 9,000 rpm. They are rated for operation in temperatures ranging from –20 …+100°C, and offer up to 70 g/6 ms resistance to shock and up to 30 g/10 … 2000 Hz resistance to vibration.

SICK STEGMANN, INC.
www.stegmann.com

DC-Operated High Precision Servo Inclinometers

Sherborne Sensors has announced the North American launch of Series T435, a single axis, high-precision, closed loop gravity referenced servo inclinometer family, designed for down-hole logging applications, or for use in areas where space is at a premium.

With a form factor measuring only 1.6 in. (40.6mm) high and less than 1.46 in. (37mm) in diameter, sensors can be stacked for simultaneous X & Y measurement of tilt angles. Models are available in ranges from ±3° to ±90°. Series T435 offer a high-level DC output signal, proportional to the sine of the available angle of tilt. Units are fully self-contained, and able to connect to a DC power source and readout or control device for a complete operating system. The T435 series are also extremely rugged, and can withstand a 1500g shock event. Solder pin terminations are standard.

Sherborne Sensors
www.sherbornesensors.com

Dual Axis, Gravity-Referenced Servo Inclinometers

Sherborne Sensors Limited has announced the North American debut of its Series T233/5, a family of compact, dual axis (x and y), gravity referenced servo inclinometers, designed for use in aggressive military, commercial and industrial applications where a high level of accuracy and resolution is required.

Series T233/5 offers a ± 15 VDC input voltage, and ± 5 VDC output signal, with self-test on both axes. Units are capable to a resolution of 0.1 arc second. Each axis is fully conditioned, with total electrical isolation between axes. Models are silicone oil and electric damped, and available in ranges from ±1° to ±90°. Series T233/5 offers either solder pin leads or a connector as standard, and delivers a complete, cost effective, high-accuracy measurement system.

Sherborne Sensors
www.sherbornesensors.com

MicroStrain Receives Third Frost & Sullivan Award

Williston, VT – Frost & Sullivan has awarded MicroStrain® the 2009 North American Business Development Strategy Leadership of the Year Award in the sensors market in recognition of the company’s ability to grow at 40 percent per year over the last five years.

The Award recognizes the company’s ability to perceive consumer needs, develop products and services that meet consumer needs, successfully introduce products or services to the industry, and identify new market segments to expand the existing customer base. Through a combination of vision, technology, and successful marketing, the Award recipient has demonstrated superior market growth skills.

“MicroStrain attributes its success to its customers, its drive to understand customers’ needs and to innovative employees who translate these needs into products,” said Steve Arms, President of MicroStrain. The company has won nine “Best of Sensors Expo” Gold awards and two previous Frost & Sullivan awards for innovation.

MicroStrain has consistently secured government funding to develop state-of-the-art technology and has quickly transitioned these innovations into their standard products.

Frost & Sullivan’s independent report FY2009 concluded with the following:

“MicroStrain’s success in its business development strategy is illustrated by its new 19,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art technology for its employees, to support its growing customer base, increasing demand, rapid growth and research and development. Research indicates that MicroStrain’s strategy has been and will always be to work with its customers to introduce the latest in advancd sensing technology. For its ability to execute an innovative business development strategy within the existing competitive landscape empowering the company to grow despite the current economic turmoil, to base product innovations and growth strategy exclusively on customer needs, Frost & Sullivan is once again proud to present the 2009 North American Business Development Strategy Leadership of the Year Award to MicroStrain in the sensors market,” stated Frost & Sullivan’s industry analyst, V. Sankaranarayanan.

The Frost & Sullivan Award for Business Development Strategy Leadership is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated excellence in business development within the industry. Analysts at Frost & Sullivan monitor major participants in industry and conduct interviews with the companies, customers and suppliers, and carry out extensive technology and secondary research to determine which company should receive the award.

MicroStrain
www.microstrain.com

Dual Axis Inclinometer Sensor

Minneapolis, Minn.—TURCK introduces a new dual axis inclinometer sensor for angular tilt detection. These sensors feature compact rectangular housings and may be mounted at ±10, ±45, ±60 and ±85 degree angles. Inclinometer sensors may be used in a wide variety of industries to solve unique feedback requirements where the customer needs to level platforms, control tilt angle or control a dancer.

The new TURCK inclinometer measures angular tilt in reference to gravity. At the heart of the TURCK inclinometer is a MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) device, which incorporates a micro-electro-mechanical capacitive element into the sensor that utilizes two parallel plate electrodes, one stationary and one attached to a spring-mass system. Movement causes acceleration that produces deflection in the non-stationary electrode. This results in a measurable change in the capacitance between the two plates that is proportional to the angle of deflection. These signals are conditioned to provide two analog outputs (0.1 to 4.9 VDC) or two current outputs (4 to 20 mA).

The microboard design in the MEMS technology allows for a compact, precise inclinometer in a very robust, industrialized package. The inclinometer is IP 67 rated, with a temperature range of -30 to 70° C that permits its use in many applications, including:

* Machine engineering: levers, pedals, flaps, mixing machines, hydraulic jacks
* Commercial machines: diggers, cranes, rotary tables, bulldozers, road construction machinery
* Vertical and horizontal drills used in tunnel and road construction and immersion equipment
* Offshore plants: platforms, cranes
* Furniture: hospital beds, dental chairs, fitness machines, wheelchairs
* Conveyors

www.turck.us