Posted to News on 8th Jul 2020, 09:51
High-accuracy position feedback for fluid power cylinders
Positek is launching a new range of what it says are "Competitively priced" linear position sensors for in-cylinder mounting with fully integrated electronics. The new P116 series combines its patented LIPS (Linear Inductive Position Sensor) non-contact inductive technology and micro-electronic ASIC circuitry to provide a wide choice of electrical interface options. They come in a compact and easily installed single sensor device that offers outstanding durability and reliability - plus high accuracy and stability over a long working life.
With calibrated travel and sensor length exactly matched for any cylinder measurement from 5mm to 600mm, the P116 can also be supplied as a drop-in replacement for other manufacturer's in-cylinder position sensors. Positek's LIPS, along with its equivalent sensor technologies for angle and tilt displacement (RIPS and TIPS) are characterised by excellent EMC, vibration, shock and environmental specifications in addition to contactless measurement for a long working life. Positek says that this technology provides an alternative to standard LVDT/RVDT and magneto-strictive sensors which are larger and, combined with the need for special magnetic materials and often separate signal conditioning electronics, more difficult and costly to install.
The P116 also boasts an excellent frequency response of 10kHz for an improved sampling rate. When compared with contacting type in-cylinder position sensors such as potentiometer based devices, the non-contacting Positek technology offers an almost unlimited working life with equally straightforward interfacing requirements. The standard output for the P116 is 0.5...4.5V DC ratiometric from a 5V DC input, other output options include 0.5"4.5V, 0.5"9.5V and 4"20 mA - all from a +24V DC supply. With an independent linearity specification of 0.25 per cent FSO at 20degC and a -40degC to +125degC operating temperature range for the standard output option, the P116's precision and durability make it suitable for extreme mobile machinery applications. Typical of these are agricultural equipment as well as plant and construction machinery.
The stainless steel body of the P116 and its integral fluoropolymer-sheathed probe assembly is IP67 rated with an IP68 option also available by request. Thanks to its stroke-to-length ratio, the overall probe length is just 28mm longer than the required measurement length. These compact dimensions extend to the sensor's body diameter of just 27mm and length of 41.5mm. The ancillary stainless steel target tube is 30mm longer than the required measurement length and at just under 10mm diameter requires minimal cylinder installation space. The standard mechanical interface for the P116 is an 18.0mm diameter threaded mount but flange-mounted alternatives are available to facilitate the cylinder design or to replace other manufacturers interfacing. Electrical screened cable in 50 cm lengths is specified by the customer and a wide choice of electrical connectors are available on request.
Full specifications for the P116 series linear position sensors are available on request from [email protected]; visit the website at www.positek.com for further details.
