ZF Launches Cherry Magnetic Position Sensors

ZF Electronics has launched four ranges of Cherry magnetic position sensors: the MP1014 series, the MP1001 series, the MP1005-MP1007 series and the MP1013 series. With a variety of different housings, features and electrical specifications, these Cherry position sensors are designed to suit a range of applications, including door position sensing, flow sensing and pedal switches, and to provide reliable operation and a long product life across diverse operating environments.

The MP1014 digital Hall-effect position sensors have low-profile flange-mount housings and include two unipolar switch models (MP101401 and MP101402) and one bipolar latch model (MP101403). Capable of millions of operations, the sensors meet IEC529 IPX5 standards for water protection and have reverse battery protection to -24VDC, as well as being RoHS compliant. The MP101401 series features south-pole-activated unipolar switching and has a maximum operate point of 185 Gauss (south) and a minimum release point of 60 Gauss (south).

The MP101402 series features sensitive unipolar switching for applications such as automotive, security doors and vending machines and has a maximum operate point of 95 Gauss (south) and a minimum release point of 20 Gauss (south). For applications that require a bipolar latch, the MP101403 latches in the presence of the south-pole magnet and unlatches in the presence of a north-pole magnet. Electrical specifications across all MP1014 series are: an operating voltage range of 4.5-24VDC; a supply current of 5.2mA maximum; an output via a three-wire sink with an output saturation voltage of 400mV maximum; and an output current of 20mA maximum.

The MP1001 series features solid-state, magnetic position sensors featuring electrical immunity protection and is suitable for applications that require a stable output over an operating temperature range of -40C to +105C, including safety doors, power sliding doors and flow sensing applications. Meeting IEC529 IP67 for dust and water protection, these sensors are also RoHS compliant. MP100101 and MP100102 position sensors are compatible with unregulated power supplies and are reverse battery protected to -24VDC; they also feature internal circuit protection to IEC529 1000. Their open-collector (sinking or NPN) output can be used with bipolar or CMOS logic circuits with a suitable pull-up resistor.

Adjustable, threaded anodised aluminium housings are available on Cherry MP1005 and Cherry MP1007 solid-state magnetic position sensors. Offering output stability over operating temperatures ranging from -40C to +125C (MP100502) and -40C to +105C (MP100701), both MP1005 and MP1007 sensors are south-pole activated, reverse battery protected to -24VDC and do not require a regulated power supply. Applications include limit switches, home security and door position products. The MP100502 is suitable for supply current up to 12mA maximum, while the MP100701 is suitable for a supply current up to 16mA maximum. The open-collector NPN output can be used with bipolar or CMOS logic circuits with a suitable pull-up resistor.

For applications that need a snap-fit mounting sensor, such as door interlock sensing, speed sensing and water flow sensing, the MP1013 series of two unipolar switches (MP101301 and MP101301) and one bipolar latch (MP101303) provide an economical solution. Meeting IEC529 IP67 for dust and water protection, these Hall-effect position sensors also offer solid-state reliability and output stability over an operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. Their open-collector (NPN) outputs can be used with bipolar switch or CMOS logic circuits and they do not require a regulated power supply.

LVDTs Offer Reliable Piston Position Measurement

RDP Electronics has announced a range of LVDTs that can be used to measure the piston position of hydraulic cylinders. For situations where it is not possible to fit RDP Temposonics magnetostrictive-type transducers within the cylinder, an alternative approach is to attach an LVDT externally, in parallel with the piston.

Fitted in this way the LVDT can follow and measure the displacement of the piston. RDP said that these LVDTs are durable, reliable and accurate in a wide range of operating environments. Appropriately specified LVDTs can be used submerged and even tolerate exposure to corrosive liquids.

Rotary Position Sensors Added To ST350 Series

Sensor Systems has added a range of Hall-effect rotary position sensors to its ST350 series. The company said the sensors simplify customer use by providing the CANbus outputs needed for new-generation control systems. An operating range up to 360deg gives customers greater control and system accuracy by allowing them to select a range more closely suited to their application. Supply voltage up to 30VDC and the CANbus DS301/DS406 profiles up to 1Mbits/s improve compatibility with a variety of control systems.

Linearity of +/- 0.50deg with a resolution of about +/- 0.09deg provides customers with increased measurement precision. Thermal drift lower than 100ppm/C allows applications under adverse ambient conditions. Different connector choices (for example, AMP Superseal or Deutsch) satisfy customer connection requirements. The ST350 series sensors use solid-state Hall-effect technology, providing non-contact operation, enhancing service life and reducing wear-out mechanisms.

This series uses a magnetically based, Hall-effect IC to sense rotary movement of the actuator shaft over an operating range. The IC, together with conditioning and protection circuitry and a permanent magnet, is sealed in a rugged package rated IP67 or greater for durability in harsh environments. A dual-output version is available for redundancy and backup. The ST350 series can be used in a range of applications including marine, medical, cranes, aerial platforms, drilling machines, excavators, robotics and mobile equipment.