Contactless measurement principles in the fast lane
04 January 2012
Inductive and magnetostrictive linear transducers of a new generation
As the exclusive UK distributor for Novotechnik, Variohm Eurosensor presents the following technical note on contactless linear transducers.If linear movements are to be recorded, users today often prefer contactless principles, where basically no mechanical wear is present. Depending on the demands of the application, the choice then frequently falls on inductive or magnetostrictive linear transducers. The latest developments in both types of sensors will strengthen this trend even further.
The sensor specialist Novotechnik has recently developed two new series of linear transducers, which will include new application areas for contactless linear travel measurement. The LS1 series of inductive linear transducers, intended for measurement areas from 25 to 200 mm, are appropriate as wear-free alternatives to practically every standard market small linear potentiometer with a square cross-section.
Because of their size, these are completely compatible with the T-series potentiometers from the same manufacturer. The same applies to the new TP1 series of magnetorestrictive linear transducers, which are offered for measurement areas from 50 mm to 4,500 mm. They are mechanically compatible with the previous models of the
TLM series. However, this new development offers a very high measurement accuracy of up to 10 µm, and thanks to many mechanical and electronic improvements it delivers very stable signals even in unfavorable environmental conditions.
Inductive linear transducers: Teach-In functionality directly on the linear transducer
The contactless inductive linear transducers have a very compact cross-section of 18 x 18 mm. They are available both as instruments with a integrated resetting spring for measurement areas between 25 and 100 mm and as linear transducers with a ball coupling without play for pulling and pushing applications intended for measurement areas between 25 and 200 mm.
The integrated signal processing makes the measured value available as an absolute current or voltage signal at the end. The integrated teach-in function with LED status display is practical for many application types.
A push button directly on the linear transducer enables the user to define zero and end points of the measurment, invert the measurement output slope, or set the desired signal amplitude.
Unlike potentiometers, a separate measurement transformer is not necessary; the higher control is thus simplified and the user does not have to get involved in the control program.
The linear transducers are almost maintenance and wear-free due to the contactless inductive measurement principle, and are very impressive with their high-level repeatability (better than 0.025% of the measured area), high resolution (12 or 13 bits), and high linearity (up to +/- 0.05%). The update rate of the output signal is specified to approximately 1 kHz, which is more than sufficient for most applications. It is also very advantageous for many applications that the inductive linear transducer is completely unaffected by magnetic fields.
Magnetostrictive linear transducers: highly exact and immune to interferences
Linear transducers that work according to the magnetostrictive principle are offered for long measurement areas. The new TP1 series from Novotechnik is available for measurement areas between 50 and 4500 mm, optionally with movement-free or guided position displays. The linear transducers are very robust and serially fulfill the requirements of ingression protection type IP67 or IP68 over the entire lifetime, even in critical applications. Due to the contactless measurement principle, the average life is from a mechanical standpoint virtually unlimited.
The mechanical elements, the measuring elements, and the evaluation electronics of the new generation of linear transducers were improved in order to achieve as high a level of interference immunity as possible. The results speak for themselves. Even with surrounding interference fields, machine vibrations or shocks, the measurement receivers deliver stable output signals with linearity values of up to 10 µm. The resolution is independent of the measurement length and for all digital variants uniformly amounts to 1 µm, something that can be a decisive criterion particularly for large measurement ranges .
Special attention was paid to the integrity of the internal measurement evaluation preparation in the linear transducers and to the data output with an update rate of 16 kHz. The electronics calculate the position value from the value of the digitized measurement time and the known speed of the wave guide. The determined position value is checked for plausibility, linearized, and then treated and linearized in accordance with the interface.
In addition to analog current and voltage interfaces, Start-stop, SSI, and DyMoS interfaces are available. The DyMoS interface transfers the current measurement value for the speed as well as the position value. For linear movements designs with incremental or quadrature interfaces are suitable as substitutes for expensive RPM counter solutions.
This product is often the choice as well for a more robust alternative to glass encoder systems, since for many applications the exactness of the magnetostrictive linear transducers is quite sufficient. Many interesting areas of application have hereby been opened up for magentorestrictive measurement technology.
The NOVOPAD inductive measurement principle
Covering the whole measurement range, sinusodial and cosinusodial traces forming loops are printed on a circuit board and supplied with alternating currents with a phase-shift of 90 deg.
In this way alternating fields are generated perpendicularly to the conducting plate, while their strength over the measurement range is also sinusoidal or cosinusoidal. Based on the trigonometric addition theorem the following relationship applies to the site-dependent sum of both fields:
H * sin(x) * cos(ωt) + H * cos(x) * sin(ωt) = H * sin(ωt+x)
where “H” describes the magnetic field strength, “x” the travel information and “ωt” describes the periodic time dependence of the signal sum. This generates a signal, whose phase shift is directly proportional to the path. The position indicator, designed as a oscillating circuit, “floats” over the signal conducting plate. Its resonance frequency is tuned to the emitting frequency of the two signal feeds.
The oscillating circuit is stimulated by them and then emits its alternating field back to the conducting plate. The rectangular receiving spool that is integrated into the signal conducting plate receives this signal and sends it to the evaluation electronics. There the received signal is compared with the sent signals. The resulting phase information is then transformed by the evaluation electronics into an analog position information, which is linear over the measurement range.
The NOVOSTRICTIVE magnetostrictive measurement principle
The measurement process is triggered by a short impulse current, which creates a circular magnetic field around the wave guide. The field lines of the position indicator run perpendicular to this field, and the position indicator marks the measurement position in the wave guide. An elastic deformation, the magnetostriction, occurs in the wave guide, where the two magnetic fields superimpose. The reversible dimension change triggers a mechanical impulse, which is transmitted in the wave guide as a torsional wave with a speed of about 2,800 m/s. At one end of the wave guide the torsion wave is transformed into an electric signal, while it is dampened at the other end so that there are no interferences with subsequent measurements. The time of flight from the origin point to the inductive pickup is directly proportional to the distance between the position indicator and the inductive pickup.
The contactless inductive linear transducers have a very compact cross-section of 18 x 18 mm and as such are suitable as contactless alternatives for many potentiometers with the same cross-section.
The robust magnetostrictive linear transducers are available in effective lengths up to 4,500 mm. Even under unfavorable environmental conditions they deliver a stable output signal with linearity values of up to 10 µm.
The NOVOPAD inductive measurement principle
The NOVOSTRICTIVE magnetostrictive measurement principle
Novotechnik
About Novotechnik
Novotechnik with headquarters in Ostfildern in Swabia, Germany has been a leader in the development of measuring technology for more than 60 years. In Germany alone over 200 employees work at peak performance. This results in high-performance travel and angle sensors, that are today indispensable for production, control and measurement technology as well as automobiles around the world. The very wide product line includes travel and angle sensors of various functional principles, special solutions for the automotive area, measuring transducers, and measuring devices. These cover practically all the imaginable tasks; custom-made solutions are available for special application needs.
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 19/08/2022 - Aplication Note: Gibson Technology choose Variohm EuroSensor D-shaft throttle position sensors for Le Mans 2022
- 16/08/2022 - Absolute Encoders
- 31/05/2022 - Potentiometer-based sensors offer impressive price vs. performance: Novotechnik’s well-proven LWH series linear position sensors gain from design optimisation
- 07/02/2022 - Positek’s displacement sensors comprehensively include ATEX, IECEx and UL intrinsically safe versions
- 05/10/2021 - Onboard truck and trailer weighing: Variohm supplies Zemic load cells to Onboard Solutions & Sons
- 08/09/2021 - New Novotechnik RFE-3200 angle sensor perfectly suits mobile machinery and off-highway position measurement
- 27/07/2021 - Variohm EuroSensor’s new ETP21R temperature sensor is spec’d for railway applications
- 08/06/2021 - Pressure sensing with functional safety for hydrogen processing and storage systems: Variohm’s SMO31H2 sensor now available in PL:d compliant version
- 25/05/2021 - Innovative virus-free air circulation module from Schulz-Berger works with DLTI-U.500 differential pressure sensors from Variohm
- 22/04/2021 - Mobile and heavy-duty machinery control: In-cylinder position sensor now with CANopen and CAN SAE J1939 interface options
- 07/04/2021 - Variohm EuroSensor’s comprehensive range of piezo resistive pressure transducers
- 21/09/2020 - Machine safety without SIL: Wachendorff’s WDG series redundant encoders provide cost-effective safety
- 14/09/2020 - Sensor Applications in Agricultural Machinery
- 19/07/2020 - Variohm Eurosensor launch new range of glass and epoxy coated NTC bead thermistors
- 12/06/2020 - Roll feed and winding web length measurement made easy: Wachendorff LMSMA length measurement systems optimise length, position and speed feedback
- 04/05/2020 - World Magnetics and Variohm work round the clock to fulfil increased demand for ventilator pressure switches
- 21/10/2019 - Novotechnik magnetic angle sensor range now with J1939 interface
- 13/09/2019 - Pressure switches selected for hydraulic systems safety monitoring on BOOM XB-1
- 13/09/2019 - Variohm EuroSensor’s Euro-CMRT micro threaded angle sensor
- 13/09/2019 - Pressure measurement for safety critical applications
- 13/09/2019 - Variohm EuroSensor launch new two-part puck and magnet programmable angle sensor
- 13/09/2019 - Specialist Ring Terminal Temperature Probes
- 13/09/2019 - Wide choice of custom options for new Hall Effect angle sensor range
- 13/09/2019 - Variohm Group expands with the acquisition of displacement sensor specialist Positek
- 13/09/2019 - Wiring harnesses include glass encapsulated thermistors
- 13/09/2019 - Active wheel speed sensing in compact and durable package
- 19/12/2018 - Dual redundant angle position sensing for safety critical tasks
- 19/12/2018 - New durable and compact pressure sensor offers wide measurement range and elevated temperature use
- 23/11/2016 - No batteries or gears: Contelec’s new absolute single-turn/multi-turn contactless sensor has improved design
- 07/11/2016 - Heavy duty rotary position feedback: Contelec Vert-X 48E non-contacting magnetic sensor suits extreme environment applications
- 20/09/2016 - Variohm EuroSensor adds puck and magnet option to Euro-X Hall Effect angle sensor range
- 12/09/2016 - Hexagonal bolt temperature probes provide ideal solution for Comlab multi-band receivers
- 09/08/2016 - Fast delivery for standard or bespoke strain gauges
- 25/04/2016 - Linear position sensors for professional mountain bike set-up: Variohm EuroSensor VLP and ELPM used by UCI Mountain Bike World Champion
- 12/04/2016 - Durable rotary position sensing: Novotechnik’s Hall-effect single- and multi-turn rotary sensors provide multiple options
- 31/03/2016 - Novotechnik RFC-4800 touchless technology angle sensor now with CANopen
- 08/03/2016 - VTP11 rotary sensor offers 8 mm D-shaft mounting and well-proven resistive element technology
- 22/02/2016 - Wachendorff industrial encoders are integrated in conveyor and web length measurement systems
- 16/02/2016 - Variohm EuroSensor adds intrinsically safe pressure and level switching and sensing components
- 26/01/2016 - Linear position sensors provide high accuracy steering for agricultural vehicle guidance systems
- 19/01/2016 - Crucial evidence: DesignFlex pressure switches aid improved DNA sampling process
- 15/12/2015 - ZEMIC strain gauges added to Variohm EuroSensor product range
- 10/12/2015 - New high-specification temperature probe offers extended performance at competitive cost
- 23/11/2015 - Long travel linear position measurement: Variohm supply draw wire sensors to Hunger Hydraulics for lifting bridge application
- 09/11/2015 - Variohm EuroSensor adds 8 mm D-shaft option to motorsports-proven Hall Effect angle sensor range
- 03/11/2015 - Position sensors with 10m range: Variohm EuroSensor adds new Celesco SK series cable extension sensors
- 19/10/2015 - Pressure and temperature measurement combined: Variohm EuroSensor's EPTTE3100 provides a cost effective and space saving solution
- 12/08/2015 - Ginetta Cars upgrade dynamometer rig with Variohm EGT sensors
- 01/07/2015 - Improved sailing performance with DesignFlex enabled Sip-and-Puff
- 03/03/2015 - High precision single-/dual-axis inclinometer offers wide choice of options
- 12/02/2015 - Wachendorff revise and improve incremental encoder range
- 04/02/2015 - UN/ECE R10 electromagnetic compatibility for automotive and mobile vehicle sensors
- 07/01/2015 - Contactless angle sensor range adds multi-turn capability, with 16-bit resolution version available
- 26/11/2014 - Non-Contacting Sensor for Electro-Hydraulic Actuators
- 13/10/2014 - Variohm EuroSensor’s custom designed temperature probes meet SPA’s high quality standards
- 06/10/2014 - For Applications Where Safety Is A Concern: High-Precision Multiple Section Potentiometer for Industrial Use
- 06/10/2014 - Small, lightweight, gearless, and now also featuring digital interfaces: Advancement in gearless Multiturn Sensors
- 06/10/2014 - Variohm’s new 9660 Hall Effect rotary position sensor is ideal for harsh environment angle measurement
- 26/09/2014 - Multiple use of sensors: Garford’s Robocrop precision guided weed control equipment applies position, pressure and temperature sensor technologies from Variohm
- 30/06/2014 - Variohm announce new platinum thin film RTD sensor line
- 12/06/2014 - Variohm EuroSensor provide Novotechnik RFC series ‘touchless’ two-part sensor for the Big Bale Transtacker
- 25/03/2014 - Variohm EuroSensor launch new low-cost pressure sensor for OEM applications
- 06/03/2014 - Wachendorff adds CAN bus I/O node functionality to CANopen absolute encoder
- 16/01/2014 - Super-Flat Non-Contacting Rotary Sensor
- 13/01/2014 - Molten Rock choose Variohm for all-terrain wheelchair power steering position feedback
- 05/12/2013 - Southern Manufacturing Show 2014 MiniTec UK - Stand F50
- 05/12/2013 - Southern Manufacturing Show 2014 LG Motion Ltd - Stand F48
- 26/04/2012 - New boiler probe has integrated connector
- 26/04/2012 - It's about The Challenge – Variohm Holdings launch new website
- 26/04/2012 - Life Racing's fast paddle gearshift system benefits from reliable rotary position sensor
- 27/02/2012 - Variohm EuroSensor now offers Lifetime Warranty on popular Meggitt Wilcoxon Research vibration sensor range
- 02/02/2012 - Application Story
- 01/02/2012 - Variohm EuroSensor adds new triaxial accelerometer to vibration sensor range
- 04/01/2012 - ZEMIC high capacity BM24R load cell arrives with OIML approval for use in washdown and harsh environments
- 15/12/2009 - Cryostat temperature measurement is critical for Variohm EuroSensor
- 04/12/2009 - Cost optimised linear position sensors from Variohm have open housing and two part design
- 23/11/2009 - Novotechnik conductive plastic technology suits harsh environment applications at realistic pricing levels
- 27/10/2009 - Variohm non-contact angle sensors open new applications
- 22/06/2009 - Twenty20 Floodlights use Variohm Position Sensors
- 12/05/2009 - The use of optical encoders for high accuracy positioning of cranes
