Magnetostrictive transducers

Gefran's MK4-S and IK4-S magnetostrictive linear position transducers now feature increased performance and higher EMC noise immunity thanks to an improved electronic design. The RS422-SSI interfaced transducers, available in IP67 sealed profile (MK-4) and open rod (IK-4) versions, benefit from contactless technology for extremely long life and low maintenance and can offer from 50 mm to 4 metres stroke length with positioning resolution to 2 μm.

The new design includes an 'internal linearisation' feature that provides a 4-fold improvement in the standard linearity of 0.02% F.S. by introducing a linearity compensation factor. The new electronics is also more resistant to power surges and fully conforms to EMI CE compatibility standards with an overall noise reduction that improves communication reliability. Furthermore the maximum working temperature range has been raised to +90 °C for operation in more arduous conditions and the current input has been halved to just 50 mA.

The IK4-S rod version has also undergone some mechanical design improvements over the older IK-2 version that it replaces with a new cylindrical head design that offers straightforward integration for in-cylinder use. For both versions, connector and flying lead options are available for flexibility in interfacing the transducer into customer applications.

The SSI interface versions offer extremely high levels of convenience for control systems and the durability of the technology suits some of the most demanding applications in electric and hydraulics servo systems. Other interfacing versions available include analogue, digital, Profibus and CANopen.

All versions can be used with up to four measurement cursors on a single sensor for complete application flexibility. For MK- profile versions the cursor may be fixed or moving to aid installation and the IK- rod versions can include different magnet geometries to accommodate applications from in-cylinder use to level control.