Looking for the latest news about position sensors? Sensor Tips is your source for up to date information on position sensor technology for a variety of a industries and applications. Browse the articles below and get your news today.

Balluff’s Linear Position Transducer Fits Into Small Spaces and Small Budgets

Designed to fit into small spaces, Balluff’s Micropulse PF-series linear transducer has a profile of less than 1-inch high.  The low profile design targets plastic injection and blow molding; woodworking and metalforming; material handling and more.

Using magnetostrictive sensing technology, the unit has a measurable range of 51 to 4572 mm (2 to 180 in) and a scalable, absolute, analog output (0 to 10V, 4 to 20 mA, 0.1 to 20 mA or -10 to 10V). The non-linearity for a stroke length of less than 500 mm is ±200 µm and for a stroke length greater than 500 mm, it is ±0.04% of full stroke. Based on the use of time-tested, field-proven technology, the company claims the units sell for an “economical price.”

For more information about Balluff’s Micropulse Perfect Fit linear position transducer, click here.

Turck Incremental Magnetic Encoders Fit into Small Spaces

Squeezing an incremental encoder into a tight spot can be a problem. TURCK’s newest incremental magnetic encoders designed with a miniature 24-mm diameter housing can address the space issue in many applications. The non-contact Kübler by TURCK 2430 shaft and 2440 blind hollow shaft encoders operate between -20 to 85°C, and a maximum speed rating of 12,000 RPM. With shock resistance to 100g and vibration resistance to 10g, the encoders provide high degree of ruggedness. Both models are available with radial and axial cable outlets.

For more information on Kübler by TURCK 2430 and 2440 incremental magnetic encoders, click here.

Sensors Expo 2010 Exhibitors: ASM Sensors

If you missed Sensors Expo or did not get a chance to check out all the exhibits, here is another of the interesting booths that I visited. Fred Fiedler from ASM Sensors explains the company’s newest approach to angular magnetic sensors. To see the video click the arrow link below.

For more information about ASM Sensors magnetic angle sensors, click here.

Slim Line Magnetostrictive Sensors from ASM

ASM launches the new PCFP25 series of slim line Magnetostrictive sensors to compliment the existing “POSICHRON®” range. The PCFP25 is a slim, non-contact linear position sensor using Magnetostrictive sensing technology which has been specifically designed for harsh applications with limited space. With a profile of only 8mm x 28mm it can fit into areas that were previously inaccessible.

The PCFP25 is an industrial grade sensor which has been designed to be maintenance free due to the non-contact Magnetostrictive sensing technology which is also highly resistant to shocks and vibration. Due to the very small profile of the sensors they can also be used for safety critical applications where two PCFP25 units can be mounted together, either vertically or horizontally to provide two totally independent redundant outputs.

POSICHRON® represents a complete family of non-contact linear position sensors and the addition of the new PCFP25 extends the application ranges to areas with limited access or that are safety critical. This series of sensors offer a range of absolute analogue outputs of 0-10VDC and 4-20mA as well as CAN-bus versions and can be supplied in stroke lengths from 100mm to 5500mm in increments of 10mm.

ASM UK
www.asm-sensor.co.uk

High Temperature LVDT Position Sensor for Military/Defense Applications

The usual 150C maximum operating temperature won’t cut it in many military and defense applications. For those who need to make position measurements in ranges of ±0.05″ to ±10″ [±1.25 mm to ±250 mm] at operating temperatures up to 400°F (200°C), Macro Sensors HSTAR 750 Series Hermetically Sealed Position Sensors could provide the solution.

 In addition to their maximum operating temperature of 200C, the 3/4 inch (19 mm) diameter AC-operated LVDTs are environmentally sealed to IEC IP-68, so they can handle rugged application requirements.

 The design targets the harsh environments found in military and defense applications such as fuel / oil level monitoring, load leveling of artillery platforms and controlling flight surfaces of airplanes and rudder positions of aircraft carriers, tankers, ships as well as submarines.

For more information about Macro Sensors HSTAR 750 Series Hermetically Sealed Position Sensors, click here.

RFID Sensing Accesses Door Lock

Touch sensing was demonstrated as an alternative to commonly used magnetic key sensing for authorizing access to a locked door in a previous Sensor Tips video. At the Hospitality Design Expo, at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, May 19-21, Jon Nevison demonstrates another option using RFID technology for authorizing access. The implication from these two alternative technologies replacing a well-established approach is rather obvious: designers need to consider new options when updating an older product to expand future sales.

 For the video demonstration from the Hospitality Design Expo, click the quick play button below.

Wireless Position Sensor

Honeywell Sensing and Control now offers the XYR6000 Wireless Position Sensor that works with its OneWireless™ systems. Operating at 2.4 GHz Discrete Sequential Spread Spectrum (DSSS),  the unit has a data rate of 250 Kbps and nominal signal range of 305m (1000ft.) between Field Sensor and Infrastructure unit. The analog output has an accuracy of +/- 5% over 250° when centered between slip clutch. The unit requires a maximum operating torque of 0.50 nM (0.369 lb-ft) and has an overtravel of 90° max. Calibration is performed electronically by setting values for start point and range. The unit requires two C Cell Lithium (3.6V Li-SOCl2) non-rechargeable batteries.

In addition to monitoring valve position status, the wireless sensor can also be used for manual process valve position, safety shower and eye bath notification, tank overflow alarms, , gate/door position, and other applications.

For more information on the XYR6000 Wireless Position Sensor go to: http://sensing.honeywell.com/index.cfm/ci_id/157437/la_id/1.htm

Linear Actuator Magnetic Sensor Designed for Harsh Industrial Applications

The Canfield Connector Series 8E is a linear actuator magnetic sensor designed for harsh industrial applications. With mounting styles for tie rod or round type linear actuators, the 8E features an all encapsulated body that is covered by a metal housing for strength. The switch is available in reed or electronic versions and electrical connection is made by use of 9 ft. PVC or 8mm quick connect male pigtail. The 8E is water resistant and dust tight to IP-67.

General Technical Data
# Temperature Range: Operational from -10° to +70°C
# Shock: Operational up to 30G (11 ms.) reeds, 50G electronic
# Vibration: Operational up to 9G parallel
# Sensitivity and orientation: 60G parallel (standard minimum required for proper operation, as measured on sensor surface.
Size of sensing area depends on size and strength of magnet and thickness of cylinder wall
# Most versions designed to meet NEMA 6/IP67 specifications

www.canfieldconnector.com

Proximity Sensor for Welding Applications

Rather than frequently replacing a sensor in an abusive welding environment, a new inductive proximity sensor can provide increased impact protection. Balluff’s  BunkerProx M18 sensor has a thick housing for withstanding mechanical impact in welding applications. A frontal-impact deflection ring protects the face from repeated welding impacts.  In addition, the sensor’s ceramic face resists weld spatter burn-through up to 2200°F. With these and other improvements, the new sensor has demonstrated 10X increased life compared to a previous design. The M18 sensor has a PNP, normally open output and a sensing range of 4 mm.

For more info on Balluff’s BunkerProx M18 proximity sensor go to http://www.balluff.com/Balluff/us/NewsChannel/News/en/Bunkerprox+Inductive+sensors.htm

Macro Sensors Unveils New Web Site

Pennsauken, NJ -  Sensor manufacturer Macro Sensors (www.macrosensors.com) has redesigned its web site to make it easier for design engineers to find LVDT linear position sensors and RVDT rotary position sensors that meet the performance criteria of applications in specific industries.

Finding that many web visitors were unsure of what type of sensor that might meet their application requirements, Macro Sensor wanted to simplify sensor selection by visually grouping its LVDT and RVDT position sensors by target markets.  Now, Macro Sensors’ web site segments LVDT and RVDT position sensors into application categories, grouping those that best operate in conditions prevalent in:

• Energy/Power Gen
• Factory Automation
• Aerospace/Military
• Hydraulics/Pneumatics
• Industrial OEM
• Civil Engineering/R&D
• Sub Sea/Marine
• Transportation

In addition to providing detailed product specifications and drawings on every product, Macro Sensors’ web site also features application stories and press releases that explain how different linear and rotary position sensors are implemented in specific industrial and military applications.   For more information on Macro Sensors product line of LVDT based linear position sensors and RVDT based rotary position sensors, go to the web site at www.macrosensors.com or contact the factory at positionsensors@macrosensors.com.

Macro Sensors
www.macrosensors.com

Next Page »