An Alternative to Pots

Potentiometers are often used in steer-by-wire applications. But they may not have sufficient durability in these applications due to their thinner, lighter materials. Plus, as a contact technology, they are affected by repetitive motion in dirty, abrasive, wet applications that accelerate wear.

A number of off-highway machine designs list the Temposonics® C-Series Model CR Rod and Cylinder sensor as one of the components. Housed within the 2-mm thick steel mechanical package is a model CS or CM sensor. The housing protects the sensor from the mechanical pounding and environmental scourges seen by off-highway machines. The packaging and non-contact technology makes the CR sensor a reliable alternative to other rod-and-cylinder style sensors that migrated from indoor purposed packages.

Using magnetostrictive, absolute, non-contact position sensing modules, the Model CR sensor contains an internal non-contact piston-mounted magnet on a rod that extends and retracts to measure motion. It features a stiff 12.5 mm rod and is IP 67 rated.

The cylinder sensor is available in two analog models, a 5 Vdc supply ratiometric output version and 12 Vdc supply reference voltage output version. Additionally, the 12 Vdc model features protection from over-voltage and reverse connection, EMC protection for both emissions and immunity and the option to be operated at 5 Vdc, at which point its output becomes ratiometric.

Featuring a linearity of up to ±0.15 mm and sensor repeatability of ±25 microns, the Model CR is available in six standard stroke ranges: 72.3 mm, 109.3 mm, 148 mm, 186.3 mm, 217.3 mm, and 250.1 mm. Connection is made using a three-wire, one-meter cable with 24 or 18 AWG wire. Operating temperatures range from -40 °C (-40 °F) to +75 °C (167 °F).

MTS Sensors, a division of MTS Systems Corp
www.mtssensors.com

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