Automation Parts

HSTA And HSTAR Sensors Resist Heat And Vibration Macro Sensors' HSTA and HSTAR LVDT-based linear-position sensors offer the environmental resistance and short-stroke sensor body length for cylinder applications where these are critical. While linear-position sensors were once considered too long for hydraulic applications, the development of new winding techniques, such as computerised layer winding and improved microprocessing, has considerably reduced the length of the linear-position sensor body compared with its measurable stroke length. In fact, for short-stroke actuators and cylinders (less than 6in), Macro Sensors' linear-position sensors can be much shorter than a magnetostrictive sensor. These linear-position sensors are hermetically sealed and AC-operated. They measure 3/4in (19mm) diameter and can survive in temperatures up to 200C and withstand high levels of shock and vibration. Coil windings are sealed against hostile environments to IEC standard IP-68. They a...

Kavlico Releases LPG And CNG Pressure Sensors Kavlico has released a line of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) pressure sensors to support vehicles and industrial equipment using alternative fuels. These fuel options are being adopted by municipalities and other governmental agencies as an option for fleet vehicles such as cars, buses, trucks and fork lifts. Typical applications include monitoring and measuring low pressure for fuel rail, high pressure for tank pressure or combined pressure and temperature. The sensors are utilised to optimise fuel metering and control combustion, improving emissions and engine performance. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will design in a Kavlico fuel rail sensor to measure the absolute pressure of the fuel at the inlet of the injectors. Kavlico's stainless-steel LNG and CNG sensors utilise a thin-film (TiON) sense element and are available in pressure ranges up to 250barG. Operating on 5VDC, the sensors...

City Technology Enhances Hydride Gas Sensors City Technology has enhanced and extended its Sensoric range of hydride exotic gas sensors. These sensors all use an ionic liquid electrolyte to provide improved output level stability, responsiveness and overall performance improvements in the aggressive environments in which they operate. The new arsine and silane sensors are improved versions of existing gel-based devices, and three new sensors, characterised to detect phosphine, diborane and hydrogen selenide, have also been introduced. According to City Technology, the ionic liquid combination has excellent thermal stability with no measurable vapour pressure, offering results even when subjected to wide variations in operating temperature, relative humidity and gas flow rates.

Position Sensors For Accurate Down-Hole Drilling Macro Sensors is offering LVDT-based linear position sensors for position feedback control of down-hole drilling equipment, such as bore scopes that measure the ID of the drilled hole. The LVDT linear position sensors for down-hole applications are custom built to survive high temperatures and high pressure. Units are rated for pressures to 20,000psi, in electrically non-conductive, chemically benign media, at continuous temperatures up to 400F. The high-temperature ratings are achieved by using special construction materials for the linear position sensors that include special high melting point soldering. To accommodate high pressures, the sensor case is vented to equalise pressure inside and outside of the LVDT linear position sensor. Offering a compact 3/8in diameter design, these AC-operated LVDT linear position sensors can serve as an integral part of devices with tight space restrictions. A lightweight low mass core also makes th...

Gavazzi Sensors Measure Environmental Variables Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a range of sensors to measure environmental variables including CO2 levels, humidity, temperature and airflow. The CGES sensors complement the company's existing offerings to provide complete solutions for energy management, HVAC and smart building applications. The devices can be used to control humidity level in wet climates, improving comfort and discouraging the growth of mildew. Standards introduced by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers define a maximum CO2 level of 1000ppm; and the ASHRAE 62-1989 norm has been widely adopted in countries including Sweden, France and Japan as well as the USA. CGESCO2 sensors use non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to provide measurement ranges 0-2000 or 0-5000ppm. Using an auto-calibration procedure to compensate for drift caused by ageing, the sensors are designed to provide traceable high accuracy and long-term ...

GUI Software Programs Vert-X Angle Sensors Variohm Eurosensor has launched a software application for communication and programming of Contelec Vert-X series contactless and non-contact angle sensors. As the UK distributor for the Swiss-manufactured range, Variohm has developed software with the ability to reconfigure and customise the sensor curve and output characteristics over its 0 to 360 measurement range. Vert-X Commander software is a PC-based application supplied with a special cable that connects Singleturn Vert-X sensors via an Aardvark USB host adapter. With on-assembly sensor configuration, the software has the potential to simplify stock control and reduce build and design timescales by removing the need to purchase several different types of angle sensor across different machines. A GUI displays programmable and fixed information from the sensor's digital interface. Programmable parameters include a selection of six different sensor types with varying gradient, ...

Mazet Introduces Multi-Range Spectral Sensors Mazet has unveiled its multi-range spectral sensors that it uses as a basis for developing and supplying application-specific sensor modules for its customers. The sensors can be adapted to applications with regard to the number of spectral channels and the spectral transmission characteristics of each channel. The first sensor introduced in this design has six spectral channels, whose filters, which range from 400nm to 700nm, overlap one another and are uniformly distributed over the range. These modules are distinguished by their small size, their parallel signal processing of all spectral channels, their high operating temperature range, their long-term stability and their high degree of resistance to environmental effects. In cooperation with Jenoptik, customised optoelectronic modules are offered in a compact design. These modules include all of the system components, from the optics to the electronic signal processing. These sen...

A supplier of nano-positioning systems for atomic force microscopy (AFM) is using non-contact capacitive displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon to measure the travel distance of test items. Based in Munich, Attocube Systems specialises in the development, manufacture and distribution of nano-positioning systems. Founded in 2001, the company is a spin-off from the Center for Nanoscience in Munich, Germany. The company's core competence is in ultra-high precision spatial positioning of objects - a prerequisite for most nanotechnology applications. Attocube's technology enables the positioning and scanning of objects with atomic resolution, but with travel distances in the centimetre range. Attocube has developed systems for a variety of extreme environments, including UHV applications, low temperatures and high magnetic fields. Atomic force microscopes are used to image, measure and manipulate matter at the nano scale. The information is gathered by 'feeling' the su...

Kavlico has introduced a suite of sensors designed to perform in a wide variety of hydraulic applications. Capable of operating for millions of pressure cycles, these low power consumption pressure sensors provide an accurate, reliable and stable signal over many years of operation in the harshest environments. The high overpressure capability of Kavlico sensors for fluid power applications is designed to withstand the pressure fluctuations associated with these applications. These rugged devices have stainless steel housings and can be configured with a broad selection of process and electrical connectors to fit the specification criteria for each application. Operating on 5V DC, the sensors provide a 0.5 to 4.5 linear amplified output proportional to pressure. Pressure ranges are available up to 6,000lb/in2. Typical pressure sensor applications include: on- and off-highway vehicle hydraulic systems; trenching machines; pressurised tools; adaptive suspension systems; material te...

IFM Houses Latest Laser Sensors In M18 Enclosure IFM Electronic has brought out a standard M18 housing for its latest laser sensors. These sensors can detect objects as small as 0.5mm, while the through-beam type can see as far as 60m. They are equipped with Class 1 lasers (to IEC 60825-1), which is the safest form of laser light and doesn't need special labels. The visible light spot and the pushbutton setting method allow the sensitivity and function to be quickly set. The range covers powerful through-beam systems, retro-reflective types and background-suppressed diffuse to suit demanding applications in automated assembly. All of IFM Electronic's M18 sensors, lasers and standards feature a robust stainless-steel housing and standard M12 connector.

Infrared Sensors Measure Metal Temperatures Visitors to the Micro-Epsilon stand at Maintec this year saw a demonstration of the Thermometer CT laser range of infrared non-contact temperature sensors. These sensors are suitable for measuring the temperature of metals, ceramics, composites and secondary metal processing application, from 50C up to 1,800C. The Micro-Epsilon Thermometer CT laser M3 is an infrared, inline (fixed) temperature sensor that measures at a short wavelength of 2.3um for all temperature measurements between 50C and 600C. With a start temperature of 50C, the Thermometer CT laser M3 is for end users that need to measure the temperature of metals, ceramics and composites, while processing at room temperature. The short wavelength enables measurements to be taken through glass or transparent plastic windows, a common task in the latest laser welding or lighting systems. The sensor's precision double laser sighting, in combination with an optical resolution of 1...

MTS has released absolute linear-position sensors, which are now available as versions approved for installation in hazardous areas. The explosion-proof versions of the Temposonics R- and G-Series position sensors are suitable for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere containing flammable gases (groups IIA, IIB and IIC) and dusts. An independent test body certified the sensors in compliance with the European ATEX directive 94/9/EC. With above-ground applications, the position sensors meet the requirements of instrument categories 3D (Zone 2) and 3G (Zone 22). When the sensors are operated in these zones, although the atmosphere presents the corresponding explosion risk, there is no hazard of inflammation. The transducers are available with rod- or profile-shaped housings and analogue, CAN, SSI or Start/Stop interfaces. The maximum surface temperature is 135C in a gas-containing atmosphere and 100C if dust is present in the environment. Various protection types preclude the pos...

Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a range of compact radar sensors for automated doors, lifts and escalators, which offer intelligent detection and simple, flexible installation. The RAD01 and RAD02 radar sensors utilise Doppler shift in a K-Band (24,125GHz) signal to detect motion towards or away from the device and provide SPDT relay output, which operates the door. Sensing is bidirectional in the case of the RAD01 and bi/unidirectional for the RAD02, enabling the latter to detect motion towards and away from the device. The radar sensors are compatible with all types of domestic and commercial automatic door, including sliding, swinging, folding, revolving, and overhead doors. They can also provide access to lifts and for automatic starting of escalators. Housed in glossy or translucent black polycarbonate, the new devices require a small 118 x 80mm footprint and weigh just 150g. Built-in microprocessors compensate for the effects of temperature and atmospheric conditions and also fil...

Sherborne Sensors Releases Linear Accelerometers Sherborne Sensors has launched the A545 range of highly accurate and robust multi-axis linear accelerometers. They measure vector acceleration and are available in either bi- or tri-axial variants. Highly accurate piezo-resistive strain gauge technology is used which, unlike fluid-damped devices, employs air damping so that accuracy remains essentially independent of temperature. The transducer is engineered for harsh environments and is packaged in a robust aluminium alloy housing incorporating positive mechanical stops that confer high shock resistance and overload protection. It is also fully compensated for the effects of temperature on both sensitivity and zero outputs. Typical applications include biomechanical investigations, data acquisition systems and more severe uses such as crash test, impact, shock and vibration analysis. Acceleration ranges are from +/- 2 to +/-500g and for customers with specific applications, the accelero...

Sensors Measure Up To 30 Positions In One Multiposition measurement is available for all sensors with a fieldbus interface, and CANbus and Profibus sensors are able to measure up to 30 positions simultaneously. MTS Temposonics noncontact position sensors can now 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 with 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. Multiposition measurement is available for all sensors with a fieldbus interface, whereby CANbus and Profib...

TURCK's New Q12 Uprox+ Sensors provide unrivaled sensing ranges from a miniature sensor. Q12 Uprox+ TURCK proximity sensors are able to achieve a full 5 mm sensing range when flush mounted; the furthest among similar products available on the market today. The miniature sensors augment TURCK's existing line of Uprox+ sensors that detect all metals at the same rated sensing distance. Q12 Turck proximity switches measure a mere 12 x 40 x 26 mm, and feature an integrated 45 degree connector to facilitate use in space restrictive places. The Q12 is available with the M8 picofast, M12 eurofast or direct PUR cable connection, and utilizes a two-color LED that displays both operating voltage and dampened state. Uprox+ Series TURCK Proximity Sensors incorporate coils on a PCB with staggered oscillator frequencies to avoid mutual interference. This allows Q12 sensors to be mounted directly next to each other, fully flush, and embedded in metal. TURCK Uprox+ inductive sensors are als...

TURCK's New M12 Eurofast AC/DC Junction Box contains an integrated DC power supply that allows the use of DC sensors in AC applications. This unique 4-port junction box simulates a 2-wire AC sensor providing a cost-effective solution that is easier than installing a separate power supply and relays. Costs are reduced by using DC sensors, which are generally less expensive, instead of AC sensors. The newly integrated power supply also permits the end user to utilize the more prevalent and varied DC sensors in every application, and reduces sensor stock levels. The AC/DC Interlink BT Junction Box offers 85-132 VAC input, 100 mA output per port, and 24 VDC output to PNP short-circuit protected sensors only. The die-cast aluminum alloy, fully encapsulated housing offers IP 67 protection when all ports are connected or are covered with closure caps. A 7-pin minifast ® connector provides home run quick connection.