Design optimisation for linear position sensors.

Novotechnik has recently announced design improvements for one of its oldest and most produced linear potentiometer position sensors, the LWH series. Available from Variohm EuroSensor, the new LWH includes material and component refinements that optimise the sensor’s compliance to its IP55 protection class but essentially retains form-fit compatibility with the previous model. 

The new design utilises the same thoroughly well proven conductive plastic track and elastomer-damped, precious metal multi-finger wiper system that Novotechnik have deployed in over 100 million position measurement tasks for the automotive industry alone. The LWH range is available in twenty standard measurement lengths from 75 to 900mm and boasts a positioning resolution of 10 microns and a linearity to 0.04% for the longest travel model.

The non-comprising, highly durable and long-life characteristics of potentiometer-based linear sensors, plus their signal processing simplicity, makes them a compelling choice for new applications when comparable speed, accuracy, linearity, resolution, hysteresis, and temperature range would entail significantly higher costs and installation challenges for alternative technology sensors.

The distinctive visual differences from the old to the new design are the removal of the guide groove at the bottom of the housing and a 4-fold screw connection for the bearing flange, replacing the old 2-fold screw connection. Novotechnik have thoroughly tested the new design against the old LWH for sealing protection and working life as well as evaluation of the electrical and mechanical performance. The new model retains mounting grooves on all four sides of the approximately 32 mm square anodised aluminium housing - enabling installation in any orientation with snap-on clamps that are included in the scope of supply. The LWH also benefits from a pivoting front bearing that overcomes ‘stick slip’ even where angular or out-of-parallel misalignment is present. With a working temperature range from -30 ... +100°C and a highly durable shock and vibration rating, the new LWH series boasts a maximum operating speed of up to 10 m/sec and an impressive working life to 100 million strokes. The product changeover will take place for orders delivered from this month (May 2022).

Variohm EuroSensor exclusively supplies and supports this full range of contacting and non-contacting position sensing technologies in Ireland and Britain.

@NovotechnikUS  @Variohm #Automation

Rotary position sensors for mobile machinery.

As mechanisation and automation systems for mobile machinery used in construction, agriculture, municipal and related industries become progressively more sophisticated, the need for fit for purpose position sensor technology increases. Addressing these challenges, where some of the toughest environmental conditions combine with the need for upmost reliability, compact installation, safety and cost-efficiency, Novotechnik manufactures precision magnetic rotary position sensors in long-lifetime, non-contacting and touchless designs. These sensor technologies are showcased in a new video that demonstrates their principle of operation, application potential as well as their development, production, and testing. With comprehensive sales and technical support from Variohm EuroSensor, Novotechnik’s exclusive British distribution partner, these sensors feature shaft-driven designs with housed, non-contacting magnet and sensor electronics - or completely touchless design with separate position marker magnets and fully encapsulated sensor electronics. Especially robust and well suited to mobile machinery positioning mechanics for lift and link arms, cams, cranks and steering etc., typical specifications throughout the range include rotation angle up to 360 degrees with 14-bit resolution and IP67 to IP69K protection ratings and operational temperatures from -40 to +125° C. Flexibility to match all control systems includes a choice of voltage, current and ratiometric outputs as well as CANopen or CAN SAE J1939 bus interfaces with Micro Quadlock and other industry-standard connectors for installation convenience. In addition, their durability is assured with vibration ratings to 20 g (IEC 600658-2-6) as well as shock to 50 g (IEC 68068-2-27).

@Variohm @novotechnik @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Agriculture

In-cylinder position sensor.

Novotechnik’s TM1 series linear position sensors are specifically designed for straightforward and direct integration within hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder pressure chambers. This recently announced sensor is available with full support from Variohm EuroSensor, this exceptionally durable sensor series is offered with CANopen or CAN SAE J1939 interfaces. 

With a wide choice of existing analogue current and voltage signal outputs, the TM1’s 2 metre working range and absolute positioning resolution of 0.1 mm combines with its excellent EMC and industry standards conformance to suit even more position and speed sensing control tasks in mobile construction and agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles and many other heavy engineering actuator applications.

The compactly designed TM1 offers installation flexibility for fast and straightforward integration in single- or double-acting cylinders. With a working range from 50 up to 2000 mm in 25 mm-steps, a choice of plug-in or screw flange mounting is available with an innovative connector system for closed or open bore cylinders featuring M12 connectors and various length cables - without the need for additional wiring. For in-cylinder applications, a protection rating of up to IP67 is offered with high-pressure resistance up to 350 bar nominal and up 450 bar for pressure peaks. A working temperature rating from -40 °C to +105 °C ensures widespread use in the harshest environments whilst the non-contacting operation of the magnetostrictive position measurement technology guarantees long and trouble-free working life.

The CAN interface options join a comprehensive list of impressive specifications for the TM1 series which also includes conformity to EN 13309 for construction machinery and to ISO 14982 for agricultural machinery. Engineered for use in applications with the highest EMC requirements, RF protection is up to 200V/m - meeting ISO 11452-2 and exceeding the E1 requirements of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). Various mechanically decoupled, passive ring-shaped or U-shaped position markers allow flexibility for cylinder integration whilst a floating position marker suits level measurement tasks.

 @Variohm @NovotechnikUS #PAuto

Angle sensor for mobile machinery.

With its optimised design for harsh environment position sensing tasks on mobile machinery and equipment for construction, agriculture, forestry and haulage etc., Novotechnik’s new RSA-3200 series angle sensors offer a wide choice of electrical interfaces, five selectable angle measurement ranges to 360⁰, and resolution to 14 bits in an extremely robust IP6K9K housing. Available in Britain through Variohm EuroSensor, the new sensor also complies with European E1 approvals and is suitable for safety-related applications to DIN EN ISO 13849.

The competitively priced sensor is available in a choice of single and dual-redundant analogue output versions as ratiometric, current and voltage from 12 to 24V DC input power. For these versions DIN EN ISO 13849 safety-related position and speed applications as well as E1 type approval to the ECE directive can be accommodated. The sensor is also available with CANopen or CAN SAE J1939 interfaces for direct compatibility with the communication networks extensively used on mobile machinery. Furthermore, the RSA-3200 is certified to the ISO 11452 standard, complying with the highest EMC standards for interference fields.

Featuring Novotechnik’s robust and highly durable ‘touchless’ Hall Effect technology and offering typical operational life of up to 30 million movements, the compact RSA-3200 rotary sensor is housed in a compact, encapsulated IP6K9K protection class casing with 32 mm mounting centres. A generous -40 to +125°C operational temperature range allows use in a across harshest of environments encountered by mobile machinery. Designed for lever arm installation, and with optional lever linkage accessories available, its stainless steel D-shaft is double O-ring sealed for IP67 protection and set in sintered bronze bushings for maximum load resistance. An industry-specific 6-pin MQS connector and mating component accessories facilitate convenient electrical interfacing. Five standard measuring angles are available: 60°, 120°, 180°, 240°, 360°, with custom angles and other custom modifications available on request.

@Variohm @novotechnik #Automation

Position sensor range expanded.

Recently announced by Novotechnik and available through their distribution partner Variohm EuroSensor, LWG series linear position sensors are now available in six additional standard measurement lengths. Adding increased flexibility for closed loop position feedback and other precision measurement tasks in industrial automation, mobile machinery, high-speed robotics and more, the well proven LWG series now has twenty specifiable measurement ranges from 50 mm to 750 mm with a choice of 4-pin M12 connector or flying lead electrical connection. 

LWG series linear position sensors feature a durable conductive plastic resistance element and elastomer-damped multi-finger wiper system with precious metal brushes for a highly repeatable and precise potentiometric output. The rod and cylinder design is easily mounted via rod end bearings with a typical and generous pivot angle of +/- 12.5 degrees. 

The robust sealed aluminium housing protects the sensor and supports the stainless steel rod with twin slide bearings and lip seal providing IP65 protection (IP67 is available on the heavy duty LWX version). The LWG sensor provides position output with a typical resolution of better than 0.01 mm and independent linearity up to 0.05 % of full scale for the 750 mm version. Its absolute measurement principle suits control tasks where a reference position is required on power-up – with no homing required and no fear of position loss when re-starting after power loss. 

With a temperature range from -30 ⁰C to +100 ⁰C, and with a generous shock rating of 50 g and vibration to 9 g at 2000 Hz, the LWG linear position boasts an operational life of more than 50 million movements. Accessories include IP67 rated M12 connectors, output displays and a choice of signal conditioners for panel and Din-rail mounting.

@Variohm @NovotechnikUS #Pauto 

Linear position sensors.

The TM1 series linear position sensors, recently launched by Novotechnik and available from Variohm EuroSensor, are designed for simple and direct integration within hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders or harsh-environment machinery. With a working range of up to 2 metres, an absolute positioning resolution of 0.1 mm and no speed limit, the new sensor features Novotechnik’s ‘touchless’ magnetostrictive measurement technology for uncompromised durability, maximum reliability and a mechanically unlimited working life.

Aimed at demanding position and speed sensing tasks on mobile construction equipment, agricultural and industrial machinery, the TM1’s installation flexibility includes integration on single- or double-acting cylinders with a choice of plug-in or screw flange mounting. The cost effective sensor is also suitable for external mounting. For in-cylinder applications, high pressure resistance is guaranteed up to 350 bar and up 450 bar for pressure peaks, with a temperature rating that covers -40 °C to +105 °C. The sensor has a standard protection rating to IP67 and optional to IP69K for the plug-in flange version. Its MTTF life rating is more than 20 years.

With a nominal supply voltage of 12…24 VDC, the output signal can be optionally specified for analogue current, voltage or CANopen and CAN SAE J1939 field bus interfaces. Working length is specified in 25 mm intervals from 50 mm up to to 2 metres. The separate ring-shaped magnetic position marker is available in a wide choice of designs to facilitate straightforward installation and both plug-in and screw mount versions can be supplied with flying leads, a bulkhead mounted connector or a cable and connector.
The new TM1 series conforms to EN 13309 for construction machinery and to ISO 14982 for agricultural machinery. RF protection is up to 200V/m meeting ISO 11452-2, exceeding the E1 requirements of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

As Novotechnik’s exclusive UK distribution partner, Variohm provides comprehensive support for the TM1 series and the German manufacturer’s complete range of linear and rotary position sensors. Variohm EuroSensor is a UK-based manufacturer, distributor and supply chain partner providing wide-ranging sales and application support throughout its extensive range of position, force, pressure, load, and temperature sensor technologies - for cost effective solutions to demanding measurement applications across industry, construction, agriculture, motorsports, research and more.

#PAuto @Variohm @NovotechnikUS

Precision angle sensing.

Novotechnik has launched a variant of its RFC-4800 series with a CAN SAE J1939 interface that offers manufacturers and equipment designers of all types of commercial vehicles the vehicle network technology of choice for this well accepted industry standard. They are available in Britain through Variohm EuroSensor.

RFC-4800 application example:
steering feedback measurement
on agricultural machinery

Novotechnik's RFC-4800 series touchless technology angle sensors are well proven for industrial and mobile equipment measurement tasks.

The impressive specification for the new CAN SAE J1939 interface protocol version offers high immunity to interference, convenient cabling and diagnostic options and follows the comprehensive RFC-4800 series with a full 360 degrees rotation angle, angular positioning resolution of up to 14 bits, independent linearity of +/- 0.5%, and repeatability to 0.36 degrees. With the sensor to magnet air gap tolerance of up to 5 mm and relatively un-critical alignment requirements, installation is made easy - and with neither shaft nor bearing necessary, the installed costs are minimised. Measurements can equally be made through an air gap or through any non-ferromagnetic material.

Durability is guaranteed with vibration rated up to 20 g (IEC 600658-2-6) and shock up to 50 g (IEC 68068-2-27) whilst a choice of IP67 or IP6K9K protection and permissible ambient temperature between -40 °C and +105 °C ensures use in the most arduous vehicle conditions. As the two-part sensor and magnet design is completely contactless, the MTTF life is specified in units of tens and hundreds of years rather than hours. The compact sensor is installed within a 50 mm diameter and a height of less than 14 mm with various magnet/position marker options or separate magnets for direct fitting to the customer’s shaft or measured component.

The CAN SAE J1939 interface protocol version will provide precision measurement solutions for steering angle, throttle, and other angular position feedback tasks on commercial vehicles including trucks, vans, coaches, buses, and trailers as well as off-road mobile construction equipment, agricultural and forestry machinery, and more.

#Automotive @Variohm @mepaxIntPR @NovotechnikUS

Compact alternative for linear measurement.

Novotechnik’s TFD-4000 series short-stroke linear transducers, from Variohm, are an ideal and economic solution where minimal size, high environmental protection, extremely long life and high reliability are key factors for medium to high-volume OEM position control applications. Available from Variohm EuroSensor, they feature single or optionally redundant ratiometric output; a typical repeatability of +/- 0.1 % FS; a measurement range of 5 to 50 mm; and 12-bit resolution.

Based on Novotechnik’s well proven RFD-4000 rotary sensor, the two-part non-contacting assembly comprises Hall sensor electronics - encapsulated and fully potted in a compact housing - and a separate magnet. The housing protection class options are IP67, IP68 or IP69K. With nominal dimensions of only 40 mm x 27 mm and a flat profile of just 7 mm, the sensor can be discretely assembled on the moving or stationary side of the measurement platform and the tiny magnet easily embedded within the opposite platform for a very low-profile measurement solution. Two standard magnets options are available to provide 14 mm or 24 mm stroke lengths.

The encapsulated design and touchless Hall Effect technology used on the TFD-4000 offers extreme durability with exceptionally high shock and vibration ratings, as well as a mechanically unlimited life. A temperature rating of -40 ... +125 ⁰C and full EMC compatibility will satisfy a wide range of applications from industrial controls to mobile machinery where short-stroke position measurement or where linear movement verification is required. The sensor is available with a choice of single, partly- and fully-redundant (c/w rising) ratiometric output from a 0…5 V DC supply. The update rate is 2.5 kHz and the standard model is supplied with 0.5 m long leadwires.

Customisation options for volume applications include special output characteristics such as trapeze or parabolic profiles and a wide choice of connector options.

@Variohm  #PAuto @NovotechnikUS

Touchless technology angle sensor.

Novotechnik’s recently launched RFX-6900 series touchless technology angle sensor is ideal for precision rotary position feedback for mechanically-extreme applications in automotive, agricultural and construction equipment is now available from Variohm EuroSensor. Offering maximum durability, the ECE E1 approved Hall Effect device features a two-part mechanically decoupled design with the sensor electronics housed in a fully sealed aluminium housing and a separate magnetic position marker available in a range of styles.

The RFX6900 series has continuous rotation with six standard measuring ranges in 60 degree increments up to its 0 to 360 degree full range. Single and part- or full-redundant dual-channel versions are available with current output of 4…20 mA at 12-bit resolution. A wide choice of output characteristic options include rising cw & ccw, staggered, trapeze and parabolic as well as custom gradients. Independent linearity is 0.5% F.S. and supply voltage is 12…24 VDC with an optional 9…34 VDC which suits battery operation.

The sensor is suitable for use in safety-related applications according to ISO 13849 up to PLd and has E1 approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. Installation for the sensor housing (69 mm diameter x 20 mm wide) is made easy with screw mounting from either face and an optional mounting plate provides further mounting orientation possibilities. Electrical connection flexibility is also offered with a choice of cable and M12 connectorised versions. The anodised aluminium housing includes salt-spray corrosion protection with protection class options of IP67 for connector versions and IP6K9K for cable connection. Magnetic marker alternatives include shaft mounted and threaded screw versions, and with a radial offset tolerance of up to +/- 3 mm between marker and sensor electronics straightforward installation is made easy.

The sensor’s mechanical specification includes excellent vibration and shock ratings that combine with an operational temperature range of -40…+85°C to ensure exceptional durability for applications on heavy-duty mobile machinery. The two-part design - with no contact between sensor and magnet - means completely wear free use with a virtually limitless operational life.

@Variohm  #PAuto 

Distance and angle measurement in mobile machinery applications

A new resource brochure that provides a  summary of linear and angular feedback measurement for mobile construction machinery, agricultural equipment, and other harsh environment applications is available from Variohm EuroSensor. The four page brochure from their distribution partner Novotechnik highlights application specific requirements for  environmental protection, safety considerations and specification requirements, and includes an overview of standard products as well as customer-specific options available from the German sensor technology specialists.

As the trend for increased control and automation for mobile machinery continues unabated, and as the selection of a suitable sensor is always determined by the measurement task, Novatechnik produced the resource to demonstrate to OEMs and equipment designers just what is possible in terms of high reliability position feedback across its range durable and compact sensors.

Novotechnik's position and angle sensors cover temperature ranges from -55 ° C to 140 ° C with protection to IP69 to and many models are available with redundancy up to SIL 3.