Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Position Transducers
and Rotary Sensors
non-contacting
touchless
potentiometric
2 Contents
Contents
Sensor elements often supply a relatively low level signal. It is advisable to convert these
signals or process them further directly on or at least near the sensor to be able to transmit
them interference-free over longer distances. Potentiometric position transducers matched
to signal processors are a typical example of this approach. With decentralized system
structures, it is also advisable to display the measured value and to immediately process it
further directly on site.
Today the operating principles frequently used for contactless angle detection include
magnetic meth-ods. They supply absolute measured values, operate reliably even under
harsh environmental conditions and, due to the low costs compared to other measuring
methods, are suitable not only for countless measurements mechanical and process plant
engineering, but also for use in mobile applications.
Layout
Magnetic Rotary Sensor in Use: close-cut multimedia design
On the Road with London Taxis 20 Kiefernweg 10
76356 Weingarten
GERMANY
Sensor Potentiometers ensure Safe Cornering: www.close-cut.de
Novotechnik
Potentiometers as Unmatched Problem-Solvers: Messwertaufnehmer OHG
P.O.Box 4220
Position Measurement under Extreme Conditions 28 73745 Ostfildern (Ruit)
GERMANY
Contactless, Magnetostrictive Position Transducers Tel. +49 711 4489 0
Fax +49 711 4489 118
with a Measuring Path of up to 2,500 mm:
info@novotechnik.de
For Direct Integration in Pneumatic and Hydraulic Cylinders 30 www.novotechnik.de
4 Position Transducers and Angle Sensors for Off Road Vehicles
Position transducers and angle sensors the field of off road mobile machines. How- case of more demanding requirements on
in mobile applications must not only be ever, in highly dynamic applications, during the throughput or speed. Position detection
precise, they are also required to work as continuously rotating or high-frequency does not become a problem.
reliably and maintenance-free when sub- actuation, contactless processes, which
jected to heavy vibrations, moisture and ex- operate virtually wear-free, are increasingly Potentiometer for toughest environ-
treme temperature fluctuations. In addition, more interesting. Depending on the applica- mental conditions: Railway track-
desire for affordable technology also plays tion case, different operating principles are laying system
a major role. Current development work used in the process, e.g. inductive or mag-
focuses on simple connection technology, netic processes. This means that instead of Linear conductive plastic potentiometers
features matched to the application and a initially implementing paths or angles via also often contribute to design simplifica-
rugged design. levers, hinges or cables subject to wearing tions. The LWX position transducer was de-
and debris in order to detect them at a suit- veloped especially for applications under
The right operating able location, it is considerably simpler to tough environmental conditions. Thanks to
principle for every task pick up the measured value directly with a a replaceable gasket on the push rod and a
rugged sensor. The wearing of the mechani- patented volume compensation which reli-
In the process it becomes apparent that the cal design is avoided, dirt and debris become ably prevents the penetration of dust, water
conductive plastic potentiometers are still less critical, even if the machine cannot be and oil, the sensor meets the requirements
important systems in many applications in cleaned at short intervals and even in the of the protection type IP67.
The necessity for measuring angles has long consists of two Hall elements arranged
played a major part in technology. Angle vertically to each other This enable a clear
measurement has long played a major part assignment of each angular position over a
in technology. A basic distinction can be full rotation. The respective voltage change
made between the measurement of up to a is converted into an analogue signal pro-
full rotation or multiple rotations. Basically, portional to the angle of rotation within
one can distinguish between the single- the sensor IC. The sensors operate inter-
turn sensors with measurements of up to a nally with a resolution of 14bits and an
full rotation and multi-turn sensor with the independent linearity of typically 0.3%.
ability to detect multiple rotations. In both They are insensitive to contamination or
cases non-contacting principles provide moisture (IP54 or IP65) and are designed so
potential users with excellent pricing. that play-free connection is easily possible.
Oblong holes on the housing simplify ad-
Magnetic angle sensors for 360 justment.
There are suitable versions for both The RFC 4800 complies with all EMC speci-
There are various methods for mechanical industrial and mobile applications. The fications required in mobile applications
angular measurement, however the basic RFC 4800, for example, complies with all
design initially appears to be almost identi- EMC specifications required for mobile
cal. A magnet is attached to a rotating axis. applications, meets the requirements for
The different shape of the field lines depen-
dent on the angle of rotation is detected by a
The Hall effect for single-turns
sensor element. The selection of this sensor
element is decisive for the detection range The Hall effect was discovered in 1879 by the physicist Edwin Hall. A magnetic field
of the angle sensor. With the optimization of arranged vertically to a conductor with current flowing through the conductor deflects
Hall sensor elements (see text in box ) and the current. Electric motors, for example, operate according to this principle. Within the
evaluation electronics matched to them, conductor, there is an analogous feature. The current lines are displaced to one side. The
Novotechnik has succeeded in developing displacement effect results in a displacement voltage laterally to the current flow. This
extremely rugged, reliable and high-preci- effect is especially pronounced in the Hall Generators. However, as the signal change in
sion sensors in this area. the sensor elements based on the Hall effect which function according to this principle
A magnet is also attached to the rotating is not linear to the angle of rotation, only restricted detection of angles was possible in
axis with the NOVO Hall sensors. Depending the past. By optimising the sensor elements and the evaluation electronics, sensors are
on the angle of rotation the orientation of available on the market today which are suitable for detecting measurement angles of
the magnetic field and the signal voltage of up to a full 360.
the sensor element changes,. The element
Non-Contact Rotary Sensor Technology Moving into High-Volume Applications 7
This contactless relationship between the Magnetostrictive technology provides an fered in several shapes and with effective
magnetic position marker and the magne- immediate absolute position measurement measuring strokes from lengths from
tostrictive position transducer itself opens on startup, an important advantage when 50mm to 4.5meters. All are rated to IP67
up great freedom in design and installation. starting or restarting machinery. Compared environmental sealing, and their operating
For example, the transducer unit might to other sensor technologies, even long dis- range is from -40 to +85C. The TMI series is
be installed in a machine bed with the tance can be measured inexpensively with designed for integration into high pressure
position marker mounted on the moving excellent precision. air or hydraulic cylinders with working
part. Because of the magnetic field linkage, pressures of up to 350bar and peaks of up
the physical relationship between position Accuracy even over to 600bar.
marker and transducer is easy to maintain, great measuring distances Novostrictive technology provides very
with a tolerance +/- 2mm. The measuring high dynamic response, and wear-free
method is insensitive to environmental The rugged TLM and TMI series linear trans- operation, even under extreme condi-
influences such as temperature, moisture, ducers from Novotechnik utilize Novo- tions. Consequently, they are well suited
shocks, vibration, or interference fields. strictive technology. TLM and TMI are of- for a broad range of industrial and mobile
Gearless Multiturn Sensors for the First Time without External Power Supply:
Rotation Counter uses GMR Effect
Many applications require measurement angles larger than 360. Quite a large number of rotation counters
can perform this task in conjunction with a 360 sensor. However, the operating principles common in the
past have properties which sometimes have negative effects: They require either a continuous power supply,
are based on mechanical principles and are therefore subject to wear, or they are complex and therefore
often too expensive for the specific application. A patented rotation counter principle based on Giant
Magnetoresistance solves the problem.
The GMR (Giant Magnetoresistance) effect a minimal value, and with an anti-parallel has already been used to precisely read out
is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics, alignment it reaches its maximum. The data since approximately the mid-90s. In
which is observed in thin film structures name Giant Magnetoresistance effect is addition, it is used around the world in CD
of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic derived from this behaviour. and DVD drives. Now it can also be used to
layers. In a heterogeneous structure consis- realise inexpensive, reliable multiturn sen-
ting of two magnetic layers separated by Sandwich structure sors.
a thin non-magnetic layer, the magnetic made of different layers In addition to the angle of rotation signal,
torques of the two outer layers take up a this kind of multiturn sensor using the giant
position relative to each other as soon as The magnetoresistance effects were dis- magnetoresistance (GMR) effect, can also
they are subjected to an external magnetic covered almost twenty years ago. It is re- currently count and permanently store up to
field. They align parallel or anti-parallel. If markable that the giant magnetoresistance 16 rotations in the deenergized state with-
the magnetic torques fold over in this sand- (GMR) discovered independently by Peter out a buffer battery and without a gear unit.
wich, the electrical resistance changes Grnberg and Albert Fert very quickly cre- It operates contactlessly using the magnetic
dramatically. When they are positioned pa- ated the transition to specific applications. principle, and is therefore wear-free. In the
rallel to each other, the resistance drops to In hard disks, for example, the GMR effect process, it supplies absolute position values
a) b) c)
Schematic design of a single sensor structure (a). Depending on the output position, the magnetisation is aligned either parallel or
anti-parallel to a reference layer (b). Photos c and d show the bridge resistance as a function of the magnetization in accordance
with the number of rotations n, or n
Detecting absolute
angle up to 16 rotations
The traditional potentiometer comprised of processes, which meet higher requirements time which results in a position lag that is
conductive plastic material, has achieved a for service life, are in demand. considerably smaller. Both rotary and linear
permanent place in automotive technology To avoid the principle-dependent dis- sensors can be developed using this sensor
as position transducers and angle sensors. advantages of traditional potentiometers principle.
With its still unbeatable price-performance without having to go without their advan-
ratio, the potentiometer had been the ideal tages, Novotechnik has developed a con- INDRES: Position and angular
sensor solution. However, with the increased tactless sensor principle based on an induc- measurement according to the
requirements of the automotive techno- tive-resistive principle that makes it ideal for inductive-resistive principle
logy of the future, the principle-dependent use in automotive technologies that have
wearing of the potentiometer technology demanding dynamics requirements. The The fundamentals of the contactless, and
is for the first time, showing some nega- INDRES sensor signals produced are ana- virtually wear-free operation of the IN-
tive cha-racteristics. As a result contactless logue and therefore require no computing DRES sensors, is simple: A primary and a
Position and Angle Measuring Technology for the Automotive Industry 13
In order to prove itself in everyday industrial ductive plastic potentiometers and contact- sintered bronze bushing. Durability is also a
use, an angle sensor should fulfil at least less angle sensors that operate based on the major factor in the mechanical connection
four important criteria - regardless of which Hall principle are available. between the sensor and the application.
operating principle it employs: It must be When making the electrical connection, it
mechanically rugged, offer sufficient pro- User-friendly installation and also becomes apparent exactly how practice-
tection from environmental influences and connection technology are a must oriented the sensors design is. Every electri-
be easy to connect both electrically and cian knows what a thankless job it is to work
mechanically. With the SP2800 (potentio- Just how rugged the sensors design is also with connection wires that are either too thin
metric) and RSC2800 (contactless) sensor becomes apparent during installation. For or too short - or both. Thats why particular
lines, Novotechnik has achieved a virtually example, sturdy fastening lugs with oblong attention was paid to the corresponding de-
exemplary solution in this sector. holes make mounting easy. The installer tails when developing the sensor described
The housing, with a diameter of 28mm can fasten the angle sensor quite simply here. As a result, the individual, cast-in con-
and a depth of approx. only 17 and 23mm with two cheese head screws (M4) and nection leads leave sufficient space for any
respectively, meets all requirements of in- the matching washers. The housing with installation technology suitable for industrial
dustrial practice. At the same time, angle fastening lugs consists of a durable, tem- use. With a cross-section of approx. 1mm2
sensors with a broad range of operating prin- perature-resistant plastic material with an and a length of 300mm, they are ideal both
ciples are offered in the same design. This elasticity that prevents the lugs from shear- for soldering and for connection with screw
enables the advantages of the well thought- ing off, avoiding damage to the sensor even terminals. In addition, the sensors are also
out housing and connection technology to when extreme forces are at work during offered with a shielded round cable and
be used in a wide variety of different appli- installation. The mounting of the rotating industrial-grade connectors that meet the
cations. For example, both inexpensive con- shaft consists of a sturdy, maintenance-free requirements of the protection class IP65.
16 Inexpensive Angle Sensors with a Broad Range of Uses
A magnet is mounted on the shaft. Depending on the However, with high-frequency or con-
angle of rotation, the orientation of the magnetic field tinuous unrestricted rotation, the user is
changes, and with it the signals of the sensor element
usually better advised to use contactless
measuring methods, as here the principle-
Protection against environmental And the insensitivity to electromagnetic dependent wearing of the potentiometer
influences is obligatory interference is just as important in the in- technology could have a negative effect.
dustrial environment. To ensure the grea- The RSC 2800 angle sensor in the single and
Of course, the housing must protect the test possible protection here, the RSC-2800 the redundant form is positively predes-
sensor against various environmental in- housing is electrically conductive, i.e. the tined for angles of rotation between 30 and
fluences. Here the protection class IP65 sensor mechanism is provided with the best 360 degrees. The principle mode of opera-
provides sufficient protection against li- possible protection against electromagne- tion is easy to understand:
quids and dust. The sensors are completely tic interference. A magnet is mounted on the shaft. De-
dust-tight and hose-proof in accordance pending on the angle of rotation, the
with IEC529. And of course, the tempera- One industrial-grade housing orientation of the magnetic field changes,
ture-resistance of the sensors is an impor- for different measuring principles and with it the signals of the sensor ele-
tant criterion for practical use. The conduc- ment mounted opposite. This signal change
tive plastic potentiometers can withstand Depending on the application and require- is then already converted into an analogue
ambient temperatures between -40 and ments, the user can choose between dif- signal proportional to the angle of rotation
+150C, and contactless angle sensors are ferent measuring principles with the same within the sensor IC. The sensor has an in-
designed for ambient temperatures from - housing design. Conventional conductive ternal resolution of 0.1 and an typical inde-
40C to + 125C. plastic potentiometers are still viable in pendent linearity of +/- 0.3 %.
Sensor technology applications are as di- Signal conditioners for completely used with adjustable models.
verse as the entire field of automation tech- conductive plastic potentiometers At the same time, the signal conditioners
nology. Accordingly, the requirements for supply the sensors with a highly stable con-
signal processing are also differentiated. There are single or multi-channel signal stant power supply vol-tage. Thanks to their
Where it is a matter of selecting suitable conditioners designed especially for the broad operating voltage range of 18 to 30
components, environmental conditions and industrial environment so that signals of V, potentiometers can also be powered by
system structures, the required measuring potentiometric position transducers or non-stabilised direct voltage sources. The
accuracies or parameterization options angle sensors do not need to be transmit- devices operate with a linearity of typically
are therefore important criteria. Thats why ted over long distances. The devices pick 0.1 %. With 30 ppm/K, their temperature
Novotechnik, the specialist for sensor tech- up the wiper signal load-free with a high- coefficient is excellent.
nology, offers both signal conditioners for resistance input stage and convert it into a Different designs enable optimum adap-
conductive plastic potentiometers and standardised current or voltage signal (see tation to the respective application. For
intelligent on-site process monitors for textbox).The stan-dardized signals can be switch cabinet installation, for example,
sensors with various operating principles in fully utilized even if the maximum distance there are DIN-rail versions available, which
a broad range of variants. or angular range of the transducer is not can be simply snapped onto mounting rails
in accordance with DIN EN 50022.
Signal processing for linear conductive
plastic potentiometers is very simple. There
is a signal conditioner design available for
direct installation on the connector of the
potentiometers. A design which meets the
requirements of ingression protection class
IP 67 is available for use under extreme en-
vironmetal conditions. The signal condi-
tioner is completely dust proof and sub-
mersible in water.
are quality and production control, testing printer start, darken display or a bias cur-
equipment and custom machine design. rent function for wire breakage monitoring
The process monitor connects to all poten- of the outputs. Remote interrogation via
tiometric position transducers and angle PLC or PC and the connection of a second-
sensors, as well as to sensors with standar- ary display are possible. BCD or HEX format
dized output signals. The measured values are further output options for the measured
are shown on a 4 or 3 -digit display and values . There is a 24V auxiliary voltage out-
are processed in parallel with the integrated put option available for the supply of active
electronics. sensors. An analogue output is offered as
Many options simplify adaptation to indi- another option. The measuring system ope-
vidual tasks. For example, the user can acti- rates with sample rates of up to 32 measure-
vate control functions via two or four logic ments per second and with an accuracy of Cost-optimized, modern process monitor.
inputs, allowing for setting of limit or tare up to 0.01%, and makes these process mo- A wide range of options enables individual
functions, storage or blocking functions and nitors suitable for more demanding tasks. adaptation to the respective application
Cost-optimized solution
with many options
Automation technology is also used in harsh environmental conditions. Typical examples can be found in
driven machines in road construction and in agriculture and forestry, on moving platforms, in container
terminals and in harbour cranes. The sensors used here must meet special requirements. Sufficient accuracy
alone is not enough. A high level of reliability must be ensured even with heavy vibrations, moisture and
extreme temperature fluctuations. And the understandable desire for affordable technology also plays a role
here. Conductive plastic potentiometers available today in surprisingly rugged designs are therefore usually
unbeatable in applications of this kind.
With the conductive plastic potentiometers voltage divider principle, temperature fluc- wiper. The solid yet compact design with
of the IPX 7900 series (picture), Novotechnik tuations also have no effect on the measuring dimensions of 79 x 35mm enables direct
has expanded its product line with rugged accuracy. Even with heavy vibrations, the attachment to the axle without additional
rotary transducers specially developed for expected service life of the rotary sensors is protective measures. The sturdy, one-piece
use under extreme environmental condi- over 100 million movements. A rugged all- shaft with dual ball-bearing mounting with
tions, e.g. for mobile applications. A typical metal housing and a positive-locking cover a large bearing spacing and a 13mm dia-
application is, for example, actual value protect the conductive plastic resistance meter enables direct steering via a strong
detection on the steered axle of electro- tip and the extremely durable multi-finger lever or driver.
hydraulic steering systems The heavy-duty
potentiometers are available for detection Redundant rotary transducer with SIL 3 approval
ranges of 120, 200 and 350 and offer un-
restricted continuous rotation. All variants In accordance with IEC61511 and IEC61508, machines and risk-reducing measures are
have either a single-channel or a two-chan- divided into four safety levels each: From SIL1 for a low risk to SIL4 for an extremely
nel, redundant design with two separate high risk. The abbreviation SIL stands for Safety Integrity Level; the SIL value describes
connections. As a result, the requirements the specified safety function if a fault occurs. The following applies here: The greater
as per SIL 3 are met in accordance with the risk, the more reliable the execution of the risk reduction measures and the compo-
IEC61508 (see text in box). nents used must be. Of course, this also applies to conductive plastic potentiometers
The angle sensors also meet the require- frequently used for actual value detection directly on the steered axles of mobile driven
ments of the protection type IP67 (plug machines, e.g. harbour cranes, stone crushers, aircraft de-icing machines, vehicles for
variant M12) or IP69k (PG screwed cable transporting heavy loads, etc.The two-channel, fully redundant model of the heavy-
gland with cable connection). They are duty rotary sensor IPX7900 meets the requirements according to SIL3 with two sepa-
impervious to dust, dirt or moisture. As rate connections.
potentiometers operate according to the
20 On the Road with London Taxis
The Swedish company STTEmtec has deve- Install it and forget it is the motto for drivers part of the exhaust gases is returned to the
loped a retrofittable exhaust-gas recircula- and vehicle owners in this case. For nothing combustion process. The mixture which
tion (EGR) system for the nostalgic-looking about the running characteristics changes results in this way has a lower combustion
taxis in London with which the vehicles due to the conversion, the exhaust system value, and therefore no longer achieves the
meet the requirements of the Euro3 stan- doesnt need to be modified and no fuel high temperature in the combustion cham-
dard. The pollutant emissions are drastically additive is required when refuelling. The ber required for the formation of nitrogen
reduced. The new CleanCab System has suc- rugged system requires no special mainte- oxide. This effect is intensified by the fact
cessfully passed all tests and was approved nance measures, meaning that no additional that the exhaust gases are also cooled prior
by both the EST (Energy Saving Trust) and operating costs are to be feared. to being returned. The CleanCab controller
the PCO (Public Carriage Office). It can easi- The system operates based on the prin- monitors the fresh and exhaust-gas feed
ly be integrated in the taxis diesel engines. ciple of exhaust gas recirculation. That means and controls it in dependence on the engine
The Segway Human Transporter owes its the drives this means that they are supplied However, this does not apply to automatic
handling to a dynamic stabilization sys- with current reference values up to 1,000 control technology. The non-linear, instable
tem, which basically functions like a human times a second. system sets demanding requirements. A
beings sense of balance. The tasks of the in- The vehicle therefore reacts to any change large number of sensor signals have to be
ner ear, eyes, muscles and brain are replaced in body position of the rider. The rider shif- processed and put in context to each other,
in the Human Transporter with gyroscopes ting his weight to the front or rear controls for example, during cornering. For this pur-
(which are also used to display the artificial driving forward and reverse. When stan- pose, the measured values of the tilt sensors
horizon in airplanes), pitch and angle sen- ding vertically, the speed remains constant that detect the position of the base platform
sors, high-speed processors and power- or the transporter stops. The latest model must be compared with the angle signal,
ful, brushless servomotors as drives for the incorporates a new feature so that a slightly which provides information on the position
wheels. For stabilization, the riders center tilt the handlebars to the right or left re- of the handlebars. Only then can the control
of gravity is continually determined, the sults in a movement in either direction. This electronics distinguish whether cornering is
data collected is processed and operation innovation results in an intuitive, natural intentional or whether the rider is moving
is adjusted accordingly automatically. For kind of movement for the rider. over rough terrain.
Segway Human Transporter A Vehicle thats Fun to Drive 23
Modern vehicles depend on high-performance sensor technology to meet constantly increasing commercial
and governmental requirements. For example, throttle-by-wire systems are an important component
for the exact control of engine operation. Throttle-by-wire is used not only in modern automobiles and
light trucks, but also increasingly in two and three-wheeled vehicles. Most often, conductive plastic
potentiometers are used for position feedback for these systems.
Sensors used for throttle-by-wire systems must meet demanding requirements for precision and long-term durability while operating in
difficult environments, and pricing is extremely competitive
The term drive-by-wire means the replace- two more for the throttle valve. This type are available in real-time, without any delays
ment of mechanical or hydraulic couplings of control system goes beyond simply due to limited sampling or update rates, as
with electronic coupling solutions. One of following the drivers pedal position. With is common with semiconductor-based sen-
these drive-by-wire systems is the throttle- sophisticated software control, it allows sors. In addition, the excellent measuring
by-wire system, which replaces the clas- for reduced fuel consumption and reduced speeds, linearity, resolution, repeatability,
sic mechanical connection between the tailpipe emissions. The system also reduces and temperature ranges of potentiometers
throttle pedal and the butterfly valve in costs by replacing earlier independent sys- are only achieved by other sensor technolo-
the throttle body with an electronic control tems for controlling engine idle, and for ve- gies with great technical effort and expense.
system. In the throttle pedal module, the hicle speed control. Conductive plastic potentiometers with-
pedal position is determined with a rotary stand intense heat and biting cold, are in-
position sensor and is transmitted to the Demanding requirements sensitive to shocks and vibrations, and use
engine control unit as an electrical signal. for mobile use very little electrical current. An operating
The engine management system uses the durability of tens of millions of cycles is
pedal signal as the driver request part of a Sensors used for throttle-by-wire systems achieved by a skilled manufacturer. Poten-
calculation that outputs an electrical drive must meet demanding requirements for tiometers exhibit an extremely low coeffi-
signal to position the throttle valve using an precision and long-term durability while cient of temperature because of the voltage
electric motor. The position of the throttle operating in difficult environments, and divider principle, coupled with expertise in
valve is also detected by a rotary sensor pricing is extremely competitive. Its not design and manufacturing. This is particu-
and is reported to the engine management surprising then that conductive plastic larly important for under-hood applications
system, closing the control loop. Both the potentiometers are strong leaders in the which might range from -40 to +130C.
pedal sensor and the throttle valve sensor drive-by-wire market. Theyre rugged and in- Potentiometers are also fundamentally in-
are typically redundant for safety reasons, expensive, and their size and shape is easily sensitive to Electromagnetic Interference
meaning that there are actually two inde- customized to the needs of the application. (EMI). These characteristics make them well-
pendent potentiometers for the pedal and Analog output signals from potentiometers suited for mobile applications.
Potentiometers Accelerate 25
Precision handling with aircraft parts: The wings of the Airbus A380 are transported
from the production plant in England to France for final production using a special
steel structure (Photo: Claas)
The transport specialists at Claas Manu- changed between the horizontal and verti- in their end positions. With millions of dol-
facturing Technology in Beelen, Germany, cal positions (when viewed end-on) during lars of composite wing at stake, Novotech-
developed a custom transport jig for trans- their journey of several days. To do this, nik position transducers were selected for
porting Airbus wings. The impressive steel the jig has been equipped with a special both of these critical measurements.
structure is 20.5m long, 6.7m wide and has motorised suspension device. The wing is
a height of just under 11m when its not fastened on two moving swinging arms, are Magnetostrictive linear sensors:
loaded. Moving the jig requires a special tilted via a spindle drive. The center of gravity rugged, precise and easy to
96-wheel vehicle that is pulled by an over- of the wing and jig assembly is only allowed integrate
the-road tractor for long-distance travel, but to shift vertically during this pro-cess, so the
can also run on its own power for short dis- lower mounting point is moved laterally The lateral distance traversed is measured
tances. At the destination the modular jig is depending on the inclination process. The with magnetostrictive position transducers
dismantled, loaded onto trucks, and driven angular inclination and lateral offset of the of the TLM series. The standard versions of
back to Broughton, where it is reassembled assembly is critical to limit torsional stres- the rugged TLM transducers are environ-
for the next transport. ses on the wing assembly. These motions mentally sealed to meet IP67 requirements
To meet the height and width limita- must be measured precisely to synchronize under IEC529. With excellent dynamic re-
tions imposed by transport by ship and on movement of the two drive mechanisms sponse and wear-free operation, they proved
roads, the orientation of the wings must be (30kW and 18.5kW), and to switch them off to be an excellent choice for the precision
Linear and Rotary Position Transducers in Transportation Technology 27
Proven industrial potentiometers temperature on mechanical components. IPE6501 achieves a service life of a hundred
with an excellent price-perfor- The permissible temperature range for the million rotations even, under unfavorable
mance ratio potentiometric sensor is between -25 and environmental conditions. That makes the
+70C. IPE 6501 an excellent choice for analog
To maintain proper orientation during mo- The sensor is housed in rugged aluminum output absolute position measurement for
tion of the jig, the angular motion of the housing. Electrical connection is by a stan- industrial applications, especially where
device must also be controlled. For monitor- dard industrial-type connector. Precision the output must be transmitted over long
ing the angular position, Claas chose Novo- ball bearings allow for axial and radial loads distances. Other typical applications for
techniks IPE 6501 industrial potentiometer of up to 45N. Supply voltage may range be- the rugged, reliable potentiometric sensors
for its excellent performance and durability, tween +18 to +30VDC, making the sensor transducers include position control cir-
and its excellent price-performance ratio. well-suited for +24VDC battery power sup- cuits, plastic injection molding machines,
For optimum measurement resolution, Claas ply in mobile use. machine tools, automatic handling devices,
selected a 90degree version of the IPE6501 With rugged housing, high performance motor vehicle technology and custom test
to measure the maximum 70degree angu- ball bearings, and excellent sealing the benches.
lar motion of the jig. This results in an angu-
lar resolution of approximately 0.02degrees
from the sensor. The IPE6501 provides a
4-20mA current-type signal, guaranteeing
a highly reliable signal transfer, even under
difficult environmental conditions often
found in mobile applications.
The IPE6501 is environmentally sealed
to IP65 under IEC529, and is exposed to Claas chose
moisture and variations in ambient tem- Novotechniks IPE
perature on the jig without additional pro- 6501 indus-trial
potentiometer for its
tection, while providing angular repeata-
excellent perfor-
bility of 0.007degrees. Operating as a true mance and durabili-
potentiometer, temperature and humidity ty, and its excellent
have virtually no effect on the measuring price-performance
result, with a Tc of < 15ppm/degree K. This ratio. The rugged de-
vice is designed for
is due to the fundamental principle of a
use under difficult
voltage divider, and to careful design and environmental
manufacturing that minimizes the effects of (Photo: Claas)
28 Position Measurement under Extreme Conditions
Potentiometers owe their reliability primarily returns to the proper value as soon as the design, potentiometers are insensitive to
to a simple design. They consist mainly of supply voltage is restored, without any physical shock, vibration, and high accelera-
three components; the resistance element need to re-reference to a known position. tion values. Consequently, potentiometers
of conductive plastic ink on circuit board Tracking high speed motion is not a prob- are often used for demanding applications
material, the wiper, and the input shaft or lem for properly designed potentiometers,
push rod. The input shaft or push rod moves and potentiometer output signals are avail- Exact analysis of erosion with
the wiper, which changes its position on able in real time, without any lag in reported high-voltage circuit breakers
the resistance element. The wiper picks off position.
a voltage from the resistance element that Potentiometers behave properly even In Bremen, Germany, the Weis Company
is proportional to the linear or angular po- under extreme environmental conditions. needed a diagnostic solution for high-volt-
sition. This analog voltage output signal is Because of the fundamental voltage di- age circuit breakers. These breakers are used
absolute. If there is an interruption in the vider technology, changes in temperature in power plants, transformer substations,
supply voltage, the output voltage instantly have little effect on precision. With proper blast furnaces, etc. Voltages are between
With the absolute-measuring position sen- forms a compact unit. As the sensors are
sors of the TIM series, Novotechnik has now not only available with the 48 mm push-on
added magnetostrictive position transdu- flange common in mobile hydraulics but,
cers to its product line which are suitable for for example, also with an M18 screw flange
inexpensive position determination directly and plug connection, they adapt well to the
in the pressure area of hydraulic and pneu- respective application. They are impact and
matic cylinders. The rod-shaped sensors of- vibration-resistant, withstand operating
fer a whole range of advantages compared temperatures up to 105C and naturally
to other measuring principles: Measuring meet all common requirements for EMC
lengths between 50 and 2,500mm can be and vehicle electrical systems of the mobile
realised; stainless steel makes them ex- sector. The measured value is available at
tremely sturdy and impervious to virtually the output for direct further processing as a
all media. In addition, the sensors operate common current or voltage signal.
extremely precisely and are reliable even
under adverse ambient conditions. The
linearity values are 0.04%, and the repeti-
tion accuracy is 0.005% regardless of the
measuring length. The contactless, and
therefore virtually wear-free sensors are
pressure-resistant up to 350bar (pressure
peaks up to 530bar).
The sensor consists of a pressure-resistant
measuring rod which fits into the drilled pis-
ton rod. The ring-shaped position transdu-
cer is mounted on the piston base. The con-
tactless connection simplifies assembly, as it
permits comparatively large tolerances. The
electronic signal processing unit is housed
in a stainless-steel flange, which is welded
to the measuring rod. The sensor therefore
Novotechnik 60 years on:
Precision you can trust anywhere on earth.
Our sales, administration and development functions are based at our headquarters in Ostfildern-Ruit near Stuttgart, Southwest Germany
Wherever positions and angles need measu- focused on the strengths that made us the A worldwide network
ring with the utmost precision, sensors from successful company that we are today.
Novotechnik are the first-choice solution. Leading OEMs from a whole spectrum Today, Novotechnik is represented in all of
The expertise in measuring technology that of industries put their trust in position the worlds major markets be it with our
we have amassed in the course of 60years transducers and rotary sensors made by own offices or by approved dealers. Thanks
is just one of the secrets behind a success Novotechnik: be it general engineering, to this tightly-knit network we can ensure
story that began back in 1947: hydraulics, pneumatics, measuring tech- that, wherever they happen to be, our custo-
nology, medical technology or automotive mers can rely on first-class service and cus-
The other cornerstones of our success in- engineering. And talking of the automobile tomer care.
clude a passion for technology and an industry, every day more than 30,000 of our
obsession with precision and reliability. sensor components are built into new cars. Our partners
Then there is our delight in devising solu-
tions, coupled with a fascination with new Quality products In order to guarantee maximum quality, we
materials and production methods. And of develop, design, manufacture and assemble
course there is our constant awareness of Just how high our quality requirements are the majority of our products ourselves at
the importance of providing sound advice is documented by the fact that we were one our sophisticated production facilities in
and top-class service, as we strive day-by- of the first companies in the world to have Ostfildern near Stuttgart.
day to optimise our measuring systems. its operations certified to ISO/TS16949. Whenever we are unable to make the
But the true secret of our success has al- And at Novotechnik the process that be- required product ourselves, we can rely
ways been our passionate pursuit of the gins with stringent and demanding speci- on the support of a selection of proven
best possible solution for each individual fications ends with a 100% inspection of and renowned partner companies. As a
customer application. And to ensure that every single product. That way, we can be result, we are in a position to fill almost
we remain the first-choice partner for our sure that every product we manufacture every order of any size from anywhere in
customers, in future we will be staying works perfectly. the world.
Novotechnik 60 years on:
Precision you can trust anywhere on earth.
The products mobile machine manufacturers in the agri- well. In the course of our 60 years of expe-
cultural and construction machine indus- rience, we have adapted our solutions in
We offer our products in many of sizes and try. Our sensor solutions have traditionally the best possible way to the special ope-
versions to best meet the requirements of proven themselves in open and closed-loop rating conditions that prevail both above
our customers. As a result, our position control systems, automation and monito- and under water. Our knowledge and expe-
transducers are available in an extremely ring of processes in mechanical engineering rience are also reflected at sea in the long
broad range of designs and in measuring and specifically in the field of plastic injec- life and high reliability of our products.
lengths from 5 to 5,000mm. Potentiome- tion moulding technology. Novotechnik
tric or contactless models, with various products can also be found in engine ma- Precise control information is a vital
signal outputs, as a complete sensor or as nagement of motor vehicles and in medical requirement in the aerospace industry.
components. Our rotary sensors are also technology. Thanks to their high precision and reliabili-
available in a wide variety of mechanical ty, our position and rotary sensors have also
confiburations from extremely small dia- Our sensors are also at home on the seven earned an outstanding reputation in this
meters with very low torque to sealed units seas and countless rivers. In the highly mo- discipline. Whether in the joystick of an Air-
in heavy cast housings. Our sensors are dern control systems of ferries, cruise liners bus, during down-to-the-millimetre ground
used extensiveley within the automotive and container ships they measure and con- transport of a space shuttle or onboard the
industry to keep vehicles safely on track at trol rudder blades and rudder propeller Cassini-Huygens Mission for investigating
their limits and gernerate signal feedback systems. They also ensure a consistently Saturn and its moons - measuring sensors
for optimum gearbox control. They also optimum position of the drive propellers from Novotechnik make a major contribu-
provide intelligent engine power control for of high-powered sports boats and per- tion to keeping aircraft, space shuttles and
environmentally conscious operation. form valuable services on many oil drilling satellites on course and bringing them safely
platforms worldwide Novotechnik even to their destinations. Major air pressure fluc-
On land, at sea and in the air provides sensors on large sailing ships, pro- tuations and large temperature differences
viding signal information for optimal align- including extreme cold are the greatest
There are countless applications for Novo- ment and lowering of the sails from the challenges for sensors in the aerospace
technik sensors. For example, our solutions command bridge. sector. Thats an environment in which our
ensure maximum efficiency of large solar linear position and rotary sensors can pro-
and wind power plants. They enable inno- Salty sea air, high humidity and extreme vide impressive proof of all their strengths.
vative steering of the Human Transporters temperature fluctuations place the most de- In the field of flight safety, in which the re-
and assume control tasks in the high-speed manding requirements on the performance liability of the measuring systems is vitally
ICE 3 train. Formula 1 teams put their trust of sensors at sea. Here the linear position important for survival aircraft builders
in Novotechnik sensors in the chassis, gear- and rotary sensors from Novotechnik prove and aerospace engineers put their trust in
boxes and engines, as do a large number of to be not only durable, but very pricise as measuring sensors from Novotechnik.
Representatives