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Rotary Position Sensors Specifications

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Angular Measurement




   Maximum Angular Measurement:
 
     Typical rated range of angular measurement; maximum measured angular stroke.
 
   Search Logic:      User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
   Mechanical Range:
 
     The absolute maximum range over which the device can provide sensible readings. This includes the linear range and also any nonlinear range for which nonstandard calibration is possible.
 
   Search Logic:      All matching products will have a value greater than or equal to the specified value.
   Accuracy:
 
     Required accuracy of the device, expressed as a percentage of the full scale output.
 
   Search Logic:      All matching products will have a value less than or equal to the specified value.
Electrical Output




   Electrical Output      The type of electrical signal that will be produced.
   Your choices are...
 
      
 
   Analog Current
 
     Often called a transmitter. A current is imposed on the output circuit proportional to the measurement. Feedback is used to provide the appropriate current regardless of line noise, impedance, etc. Useful when sending signals long distances.
 
   Analog Voltage
 
     The output voltage is a simple (usually linear) function of the measurement. It is a continuous, rather than a discrete or pulsed, signal.
 
   Analog Frequency
 
     The output signal is encoded via amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or some other modulation scheme; examples are sine wave and pulse train.
 
   Resistance
 
     The output is a change in resistance, as in potentiometer adjustment.
 
   Switch / Alarm
 
     Output is a change in state of a switch or alarm.
 
   Serial
 
     The output is transmitted one bit at a time via a standard digital protocol such as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, etc.
 
   Parallel
 
     The output is transmitted via a protocol capable of transmitting more than one bit simultaneously, such as GPIB / HPIB / IEEE488, Centronics port, etc.
 
   Other Digital
 
     Any digital output other than the standard serial or parallel signals. Simple TTL logic signals are an example.
 
   Search Logic:      All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
Sensor Technology




   Sensor Technology       
   Your choices are...
 
      
 
   Potentiometer
 
     Sensor detects variable resistance as the shaft turns to determine angle.
 
   Hall Effect Sensor
 
     The Hall effect depends upon semiconductors with a current passed through them providing a voltage output when subjected to a magnetic field. The magnetic field for rotary sensors would typically be supplied by one or more permanent magnets mounted to the rotating sensor shaft.
 
   Variable Inductance
 
     Variable inductance sensors utilize a component on the rotating sensor shaft that induces magnetic field effects on multiple stationary coils. Resolving the unbalance in these fields provides precise angular position.
 
   Resolver
 
     Resolvers contain a rotating coil and two stationary coils 90° apart. By measuring the currents generated in the stationary coils through induction and comparing them, resolvers provide precise measurements of the rotor position. Resolvers depend on magnetic fields rather than electronics and thus work well in applications with high vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures.
 
   Synchro
 
     A typical synchro is a variable transformer; it resembles a resolver in operation except that there are three stationary coils 120° apart. The current induced in these coils by the coil on the rotating shaft can be measured and compared to provide output as angular position.
 
   RVDT
 
     Specially shaped coils, one on the shaft and two stationary, are balanced at a null point. The relative output of the stationary coils is measured as the primary coil is angularly displaced and is converted to an angular position.
 
   Differential Capacitance
 
     Capacitive displacement transducers utilize differential capacitance for high resolution angular measurement. There is no physical contact between elements and measurement is absolute.
 
   Search Logic:      All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
Features




   Multi-turn Capability?
 
     Multi-turn refers to the ability to turn more than 360 degrees. Applies primarily to potentiometer types, including Hall effect and induction potentiometers.
 
   Search Logic:      "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice.
Category of Device




   Category of Device      The 'Category' criteria attempts to distinguish sensor elements that might be used as part of a larger sensor from integrated sensor-gauges and instruments.
   Your choices are...
 
      
 
   Sensor Element / Chip
 
     Denotes a sensor element with no signal conditioning or packaging within a larger unit.
 
   Sensor / Transducer
 
     A more complex device with packaging and/or signal conditioning that is powered and provides an output such as analog voltage or current loop.
 
   Gauge / Indicator
 
     A device which has an analog or digital display; typically does not include a separate electronic output.
 
   Instrument / Meter
 
     A self-contained unit that includes a display and possibly additional electrical or electronic outputs; often includes amplifier and/or signal conditioning.
 
   Recorder / Totalizer
 
     A device that records several data points or totalizes measurement in some fashion. It may also be capable of sophisticated functions such as statistical analysis.
 
   Search Logic:      All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
Environment




   Operating Temperature:
 
     This is the full required range of ambient operating temperature.
 
   Search Logic:      User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
   Shock Rating:
 
     Maximum shock sustainable while meeting performance specifications.
 
   Search Logic:      All matching products will have a value greater than or equal to the specified value.
   Vibration Rating:
 
     Maximum vibration sustainable while meeting performance specifications.
 
   Search Logic:      All matching products will have a value greater than or equal to the specified value.
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