Acquisition has magnetic effect

Following its recent acquisition by the Variohm Group, the range of magnetic encoders and sensor components from Phoenix America are now available from sensor and measurement specialist Variohm EuroSensor.

With UK- and German-based sales teams, and distribution partners throughout Europe, as well as in many global industrial countries, Variohm EuroSensor will provide complete technical sales and application support for Phoenix America’s product range.

“Phoenix America’s rotary magnetic encoder kits employ proven Hall Effect principles in two-part, bearing-less and non-contacting designs comprising a multipole magnet ring moulded from bonded magnet compounds, enclosed by a thermoplastic housing containing the sensing devices and signal conditioning electronics,” states Variohm Group.

Magnet rotation

“These modular components employ disc- or rectangular-shaped sensor housings that interact with the separate ‘target rotor’ where its varying number of radially magnetised poles determines the quadrature square wave output, providing resolutions from 4 to 10,000 counts per revolution as the target magnet rotates.”

The classic installation configuration involves the target rotor magnet being attached to a motor shaft or other rotating element, while the signal conditioning module is held fixed by its attachment to the motor housing. Pulses are delivered as single-ended (Channel A and B) or differential pulses A+, A-, B+ and B-), and thus, when read into servo or other control/measurement systems, correspond to bi-directional position, speed and acceleration.

High durability

This robust design principle – non-contacting, without bearings and consisting of two encapsulated and fully sealed components – provides an exceptionally high degree of durability and a practically unlimited working life, according to the company. “Furthermore, the technology competes very favourably on price with optical encoders where it also offers substantial benefits, in terms of reliability and durability, especially where harsh environments prevail,” it adds.

Harsh environments

Phoenix America’s magnetic encoders are extensively used and proven in feedback and measurement applications that include closed loop motion control and position and/or speed verification on brushed, brushless and stepper motors, as well as industrial motors where frequency inverter drive manufacturers are now commonly including high accuracy position control and which tends to be especially associated with harsh environment use.

Other application areas include valve control and flow sensing, renewable energy, plant and processing machinery, robotics and more.