POSITION AND MOTION SENSORS

Linear Position: Linear Variable Differential Transformers

(LVDT) Hall Effect Sensors Proximity Detectors Linear Output (Magnetic Field Strength) Rotational Position: Rotary Variable Differential Transformers (RVDT) Optical Rotational Encoders Synchros and Resolvers Inductosyns (Linear and Rotational Position) Motor Control Applications Acceleration and Tilt: Accelerometers

accurate and reliable method for measuring linear distance o find uses in modern machine-tool, robotics, avionics, and computerized manufacturing o position-to-electrical sensor whose output is proportional to the position of a movable magnetic core
o

produces a linear electrical output that is directly proportional to the position of a movable ferrous core of nickel-iron alloy the LVDT body is fixed in place and the ferrous core is attached to the moving element on the piece of equipment for position feedback natural contender for high-temperature applications when compared to other displacement technologies such as potentiometers, magnetostrictive transducers, and capacitive sensors

discovered by Dr. Edwin Hall in 1879 while he was a doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore o may be used to measure magnetic fields o provides a more reliable low speed sensor than an inductive pickup
o

linear magnetic field transducer output voltage is proportional to a magnetic field applied perpendicularly to the package top surface combines integrated bulk Hall cell technology and instrumentation circuitry to minimize temperature related drifts associated with silicon Hall cell characteristics

find use in relatively low reliability and low resolution applications Incremental optical encoder

a disc divided into sectors that are alternately

transparent and opaque

Absolute optical encoder

divided up into N sectors and each sector is

further divided radially along its length into opaque and transparent sections, forming a unique N-bit digital word with a maximum count of 2N 1

o provide accurate angular and rotational information Excel in demanding factory applications requiring small size, long-term reliability, absolute position measurement, high accuracy, and low-noise operation can form the heart of an outstanding digital shaft angle measurement and positioning system

measures linear position directly accurate and rugged, well-suited to severe industrial environments, and do not require ohmic contact consists of two magnetically coupled parts; it resembles a multipole resolver in its operation