Macro Sensors Unveils New Web Site
April 27, 2010 by admin
Filed under Industry News, Position
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
Linear Sensor Built For Hydraulic Applications
Position feedback devices are commonly implemented in hydraulic applications for monitoring the performance accuracy of actuators and cylinders to improve operational efficiencies. The environment in which the embedded sensor must survive can be problematic. The hydraulic fluid is under high pressures and temperatures and the actuators and cylinders typically live in environments where heavy shock and or vibration are present.
Macro Sensors offers the HSTA and HSTAR Series of LVDT-based linear position sensors that offer both the environmental resistance and short stroke sensor body length ideal to perform in cylinder applications where sensor length and survival in harsh environments are critical.
While linear position sensors were once considered too long for hydraulic applications, the development of new winding techniques, such as computerized layer winding and improved microprocessing, has considerably reduced the length of the linear position sensor body compared to its measurable stroke length. In fact, for short stroke actuators and cylinders (less than 6”), Macro Sensors linear position sensors can be much shorter than a magnetostrictive sensor.
Hermetically sealed, these ¾ inch (19 mm) diameter, AC-operated linear position sensors can survive and thrive in high temperatures of 200 degrees C and withstand high shocks and vibration. Coil windings are sealed against hostile environments to IEC standard IP-68. Other significant features:
- Offered with either an axial (HSTA) or radial (HSTAR) connector, units can have a through bore for the fluid to pass or can seal the fluid in the RAM. The radial connector makes the installed length of the HSTAR LVDTs at least 2” shorter than comparable units with an axially mounted connector for easier installation in tight spaces.
- Accessible from both ends, , the linear position sensors can be easily cleaned of grit, dirt, dust or other contaminants for greater reliability and longer life.
- Available in ranges of ±0.050 inch (±1.25 mm) to ±10.0 inches (±250 mm), the HSTA and HSTAR Series sensors feature the high resolution, excellent repeatability, and low hysteresis associated with LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) technology, as well as the highest sensitivity consistent with good linearity. The maximum linearity error for any of these sensors is ±0.25% of full range output using a statistically best-fit straight line derived by the least squares method.
Macro Sensors also offers custom designs for higher temperatures and pressure resistance, smaller diameters and connector options.
HSTA and HSTAR Series LVDTs operate properly with any conventional differential input LVDT signal conditioner. Ranges of 1.00 inches or greater will also work with ratiometric LVDT signal conditioning. Macro Sensors offers a full line of LVDT signal conditioners that will deliver optimum performance from any HSTA and HSTAR Series linear position sensor.
Position Sensors Ensure Accuracy of Down Hole Drilling Equipment
US-based manufacturer of LVDT Linear Position Sensors and Rotary Position Sensors and Transducers, Macro Sensors, is now serving the petroleum industry with LVDT-based linear position sensors that are used for position feedback control of down hole drilling equipment such as bore scopes that measure the ID of the drilled hole.
SQ 1250 Series Heavy Duty LVDT Position Sensors
The LVDT linear position sensors for down hole applications are custom built to survive high temperatures and high pressure. Units are rated for pressures to 20,000 psi, in electrically non-conductive, chemically benign media, at continuous temperatures as high as 400 degrees F. The high temperature ratings are achieved by using special construction materials for the linear position sensors that include special high melting point soldering. To accommodate high pressures, the sensor case is vented to equalize pressure inside and outside of the LVDT linear position sensor.
Offering a compact 3/8” diameter design, these AC-operated LVDT linear position sensors serve well as an integral part of devices with tight space restrictions. A lightweight low mass core also makes the small, contactless linear position sensors ideal for applications having high dynamic response requirements. Units operate with any conventional differential input LVDT signal conditioners to provide position feedback back to operators at the surface.
For more information on LVDT linear position sensors built for down hole and other refinery applications, contact Macro Sensors at postionsensors@macrosensors.com.
Linear Position Sensor Tutorial
Pennsauken, NJ – Macro Sensors offers an in-depth tutorial on Linear Variable Differential Transformers or LVDT linear position sensors on its web site. The tutorial covers everything you want to know about LVDT Linear position sensors including construction, significant features, operation and industrial applications. It even answers questions on where to use an LVDT linear position sensor and what types of electronics work best for specific applications.
Linear Sensor Tutorial Image
A tried and true technology, LVDTs can measure movements as small as a few millionths of an inch up to several inches as well as positions up to ±20 inches (±0.5 m). Commendable features such as friction-free operation, infinite resolution and unlimited mechanical life make LVDT linear position sensors the preferred technology in a wide variety of applications such as industrial automation manufacturing, power generation, civil engineering as well as industrial and subsea environments.
Macro Sensors
Linear position sensor aids ATM design
Pennsauken, NJ - Macro Sensors PR 750 Series of 3/4 inch (19 mm) diameter AC-operated LVDTs are serving as measurement feedback devices in the paper bill detector of automated teller machines (ATM) to ensure proper currency dispensing.
Sensor used to monitor bill output in ATM's
In an ATM, a Macro Sensors’ PR 750 Series of Linear Position Sensor is used to measure the separation of a pair of rollers, whereby bills passing between the rollers displace the LVDT core. As the bills pass between the rollers, the LVDT output changes according to their thickness. As a typical bill measures 0.0003” (0.0075mm) thick, the LVDT will detect any derivation should two or more bills get stuck together.
As the ATM can be used hundreds of times during the course of a day, the repeatability and reliability of the linear position sensor are of key importance. Since there is no contact between the LVDT core and coil of the PR Series, there is no friction to cause inaccuracy or part of the LVDT to wear out during the service life of the ATM. To account for any dirt accumulation on the rollers, a sample readout is made for one complete revolution. Any zero-offset value is stored and, then, compared against the LVDT output as the customer’s currency is measured. This eliminates the risk of passing an unexpected number of bills, while at the same time compensates for any variation of the roller surfaces.
