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5th May 2015
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Fast adaptation of inductive sensors to suit OEM requirements
Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon UK has extended its range of inductive
displacement and position sensors for medium to high volume OEM applications. Sensor
geometry, mounting and electronics can be custom-engineered to suit specific OEM, R&D
or machine build applications.
Micro-Epsilon has custom-engineered inductive sensors for OEMs in a variety of industry
sectors such as hydraulics and pneumatics, military, aerospace and defence, automotive,
agricultural machinery, off-highway vehicles, household appliances and medical devices.
Due to its high production capacity (up to one million sensors per year), Micro-Epsilon can
deliver cost effective sensor solutions for applications where the highest standards apply.
These include sensors for use in high atmospheric pressures, high temperatures and high
vibrations, as well as for vacuums, hazardous (ATEX-certified) environments, and clean
rooms. An extremely wide range of catalogue and modified sensors form the basis for
relatively quick and simple adaptation to many custom OEM applications.
Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK commented: “Often, we come across
applications where standard traditional inductive sensors and controllers are not suitable,
as the technical requirements of the application cannot be met by standard catalogue
inductive sensors in the marketplace. As a company, one of our strengths is having the
ability to select the most suitable inductive measuring principle and then modifying the
sensor to meet the exact needs of an OEM customer. For example, these modifications
can include varying the measuring range of the sensor, having integral or separate
electronics, changing the mechanical form factor, having the target as a sleeve or plunger
in hydraulic cylinders, or providing different mounting options and interfaces. In addition to
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providing standard LVDT driver electronics, Micro-Epsilon can also provide miniature
ASICs for medium to high volume low cost applications.”
Micro-Epsilon’s induSENSOR family of inductive sensors includes six core product
ranges, which are based on the inductive measuring principle, the LVDT (Linear Variable
Differential Transformer) principle, or patented variants of these measuring methods.
Conventional 3-coil LVDT sensors
The DTA series of LVDT displacement sensors and LVDT gauges have a primary and two
secondary coils, which are arranged symmetrically to the primary winding. As a
measurement object, a rod-shaped magnetic core can be moved within the differential
transformer. Movement of the core within the magnetic field of the coil causes a higher
voltage in one secondary coil and a lower voltage in the second coil. The difference
between the two secondary voltages is proportional to the core displacement. Due to the
differential design of the sensor, the LVDT series has an output signal that is very stable.
Gauge LVDT’s with 8mm body diameter and many custom options
The LDR series of inductive sensors are constructed as half-bridge systems rather than a
3-core traditional LVDT design. This enables a short, compact design with smaller
diameters. This enables lower production costs, which means the LDR sensors are also
less expensive than LVDT’s. Despite the lower cost, technical advantages such as higher
operating temperatures (160°C as standard) and shock rating of up to 300g (axial) or 100g
(radial) are offered with the LDR series.
Inductive-potentiometric sensors LVP and VIP series
The LVP and VIP series of displacement sensors are patented single coil inductive
sensors as opposed to a 3-coil LVDT or 2-coil LDR sensor concept. This offers a
significantly improved measurement range to body length ratio, which means that for any
given measurement ranges, the sensors can be up to 50% shorter. In addition, the sensor
body diameter is also significantly reduced, with standard sensors having an 8mm
diameter. The LVP uses an inner core as the sensor rod (similar to conventional LVDT’s),
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whereas the VIP uses an outer ring as the target, offering an even more compact sensor
footprint.
Further advantages of this sensor series include integrated sensor electronics, enabling
the user to have a DC voltage supply and DC volts or 4-20mA output directly from the
sensor (remote electronics is also available for OEM applications if preferred).
Chris Jones continues: “Quite often, customers are replacing linear potentiometers with
LVP sensors, as they offer the simple installation method of a potentiometer, yet are wearfree like LVDT’s, giving the user the best features of both technologies.”
Long stroke sensors for hydraulic applications
The EDS series of sensors are robust, pressure-resistant position sensors designed for
hydraulic cylinder positioning or for high shock and vibration applications on mobile
hydraulic systems such as off-highway vehicles. The EDS sensor uses an outer sleeve
rather than an inner core, which enables the sensor to be much more robust and
mechanically strong. In addition, it becomes much easier to install the sensor into the
hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic system. Pressure rating of 450 bar (higher rating versions
are available on request) and 300g shock rating (axial) enable almost all hydraulic
positioning applications to be solved.
The sensor does not need remote electronics that must be matched to the sensor. The
actual electronics are extremely compact and are housed in the mounting flange of the
sensor, which means that the total installation is much more compact than commonly used
sensors. It is also possible to adapt the sensor housing to enable it to withstand subsea
applications, for example, by modifying the sensor to incorporate a subsea connector or
custom mounting flange.
The latest version, the EDS miniature series, is ultra-compact with a diameter of just
3mm, which is ideal for miniature hydraulic cylinders and actuators. The sensors are
manufactured from a pressure-resistant stainless steel (up to 450bar), can operate to
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175°C and withstand extreme vibration and shock levels (up to 300g axial and 100g
radial). The sensor electronics and signal conditioning are also extremely compact.
The latest version, the EDS miniature series, is ultra-compact with a diameter of just 3mm,
which is ideal for miniature hydraulic cylinders and actuators. Although the sensors have
an extremely compact size, they are still as robust as the standard designs. The sensors
are manufactured from a pressure-resistant stainless steel (up to 450 bar), can operate to
175°C (or 210°C) and withstand extreme vibration and shock levels (up to 300g axial and
100g radial). The sensor electronics and signal conditioning are also extremely compact.
For more information on the induSENSOR series of inductive displacement sensors,
please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on 0151 355 6070 or email
[email protected]
– ENDS – [1,035 words]
Note to Editors: Micro-Epsilon (www.micro-epsilon.co.uk) is a major global manufacturer of sensors,
headquartered in Germany. The company’s range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance,
position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact measurement techniques.
These techniques include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive,
LVDT & inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles. In addition, Micro Epsilon has developed its own
range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40 to
+3,300°C. The company also manufactures a comprehensive range of colour recognition sensors.
With more than 45 years’ experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon isn’t just a sensor manufacturer. The
company is highly innovative and understands the importance of providing complete solutions and support
services for its customers. The firm is renowned for its expertise in consulting, development and application of
industrial sensors to complex, customer-specific solutions for measurement, inspection and automation. The
focus is on selling technical advantage to its customers.
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Reader Enquiries/Advertising: Louise Dodd,
Marketing Executive,
Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd
1, Shorelines Building,
Shore Road
Birkenhead
Cheshire CH41 1AU
Tel: +44 (0) 151 355 6070
Fax: +44(0) 151 355 6075
Email: [email protected]
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