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Miniature LVDT Position Sensors Result in Highly Accurate Position Feedback

By Paul Heney | May 12, 2011

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The compact size and highly accurate output of Macro Sensors’ CD 375 Series of miniature LVDTs make the linear position sensors suitable for providing displacement feedback in different robotic applications.

Linear-position-sensors-robotic-arm
Linear position sensors provide an analog voltage signal that is proportional to the amount of movement in a robotic arm.

Robots and robotic arms rely on sensors to determine range of motion or force applied to an object. Attached to a robotic arm, the miniature LVDT linear position sensors detect position change when an actuator moves the robotic arm, providing an analog voltage signal, proportional to the amount of motion, to a controller that makes appropriate adjustments based on programmable set points. With the data provided by the sensor, the controller can determine when the robotic arm should stop or slow down. For example, on a pick and place machine, if the robotic arm exceeded its travel distance, it could drive right through the board it intended to populate. The miniature linear position sensors evaluate the robotic arm movement for optimum performance.

In addition to industrial robots, Macro Sensors CD 375 miniature LVDTs are suitable as an integral part of devices such as hydraulic actuators, servo valves, medical equipment and other small mechanisms. A compact 3/8-in. diameter design and lightweight low mass core make the small contactless position sensors suitable for applications having high dynamic response requirements such as ATMs, copy machines, plastic injection molding machines and automatic inspection equipment.

Available in full-scale measurement ranges from ±0.025 in. (±0.63mm) to ±2.0 in. (±50.0mm), these AC-operated linear position sensors offer a 50% larger core-to-bore radial clearance (0.012 in.) than similar sized units. Units feature excellent repeatability (error of <0.01% of FSO), high resolution and the highest sensitivity consistent with good linearity (maximum linearity error of ±0.25% FRO).

Environmentally robust, the CD 375 Series operate in temperature extremes of -65° F to +220° F (-55° C to +105° C). Stainless steel housings and epoxy encapsulation protects units from environmentally hostile conditions. External sealing of the miniature position sensors meets IEC standard IP-61.

Several standard options that permit customization of the LVDTs, including Teflon bore liners and metric threaded cores. Units with different lead wire exit points and connectors; vented units for operation in pressurized fluids; units for higher ambient temperatures; and units constructed of materials resistant to mild nuclear radiation are also possible.

The CD 375 Series LVDTs are interchangeable with most manufacturer units, and operate with any conventional differential input LVDT signal conditioners.

Macro Sensors
www.macrosensors.com

::Design World::


Filed Under: Factory automation, Mechatronics, Sensors (position + other), Sensors (proximity), Test + measurement • test equipment

 

About The Author

Paul Heney

Paul J. Heney, the VP, Editorial Director for Design World magazine, has a BS in Engineering Science & Mechanics and minors in Technical Communications and Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He has written about fluid power, aerospace, robotics, medical, green engineering, and general manufacturing topics for nearly 25 years. He has won numerous regional and national awards for his writing from the American Society of Business Publication Editors.

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