Displacement Sensor

Displacement Sensor with Multi-Position Measurement

News Release from: MTS Sensor Technologie
27/08/2008

The non-contact MTS Temposonics® position sensors are now able to measure up to 30 positions along a common axis using only one sensor. Depending on the number of measuring points, an appropriate number of position magnets that all generate an individual signal travel along the sensor housing simultaneously. Each magnet is firmly assigned to a mobile machine part. Simultaneous detection of several positions permits considerable savings compared to conventional displacement sensors and rotary encoders. Due to a decreased number of position measurement systems and the compact construction of the Temposonics® sensor, the costs of displacement measurement and space requirements are reduced.

Multi-position measurement is available for all sensors with fieldbus interface, whereby CANbus and Profibus sensors are able to measure up to 30 positions simultaneously. The version with EtherCAT output provides measurement of up to 20 positions in one cycle in the asynchronous mode, or 5 positions and 5 velocities during the synchronous mode (distributed clock). For high flexibility of operation, the sensors are available as profile or rod-shaped versions, with detached electronics or with flexible sensing element. With a linearity better than ± 0.01 % F.S. and a repeatability of < ± 0.001 % F.S., measurement lengths up to 20 m are available.

The field of application for multi-position measurement includes mainly quick, precise adjustment of the cutting width, e.g. in the paper, ceramics, metal, textile or wood industry. Each cutting tool has its own position magnet on the sensor that is mounted in parallel to the motion axis and travels independently. The advantages of multi-position measurement are also unbeatable when materials handling, plastics machinery or construction monitoring are concerned.