Variohm Eurosensor Offers BEI Incremental Encoder

The Omnicoder, developed by BEI and available in the UK from Variohm Eurosensor, is a industrial incremental encoder that offers the flexibility of user-programmable resolution. Based on BEI's H25 series - a durable encoder with a die-cast aluminium housing, a 416 stainless-steel shaft and heavy-duty ABEC 7 bearings - the Omnicoder is connected to a PC using a special USB cable assembly and through a free-of-charge user interface.

The encoder resolution can be programmed between one and 10,000 counts per revolution. The patented control algorithm developed for the Omnicoder ensures that the duty cycle and phase relationship are unaffected at the maximum resolution. The design also ensures that the resolution information is stored redundantly in non-volatile memory, making it as reliable as a fixed disc encoder.

Aimed at original equipment manufacturers, machine builders and integrators who need the flexibility to set encoder resolution in situ or who are wanting to reduce the stock inventory associated with using several different fixed-resolution encoders, the Omnicoder can also be of benefit in labelling and packaging registration applications where it is desirable to modify the encoder resolution on product changeover. Variohm Eurosensor provides sales and application support for BEI's complete range of linear and rotary encoders, electronics and displays.

Ginetta G50 Race Cars Use Variohm Pressure Sensors

Leeds-based Ginetta Cars has chosen Variohm EPT3100 pressure transducers to monitor oil, fuel and water pressure across all of its G50 series of race cars. The 300bhp G50 'Cup' race car is exclusively used for the single-make Michelin G50 Championship, which starts again in April 2010. A newly introduced G50Z version features a 400bhp Ford Zytek engine and is aimed at top-level GT sprint and 24-hour racing.

The latest derivative, the G50HC (hot climate), is built for the Middle East race-car market and is designed for track temperatures up to +60C. Throughout the G50 series, the engine control unit and data logging systems are used to ensure optimum performance and Variohm's EPT3100 series pressure transducers are built for challenging applications where high performance and reliability need to be balanced with lightweight design, compact dimensions and a competitive cost.

The EPT3100's thin-film measuring cell and high-level-output circuit technology provide a pressure output from 0.25bar to 4,000bar in several range options, with accuracy better than +/-0.8 per cent and stability more than +/-0.1 per cent. Output options include 0-5V, ratiometric and 4-20mA with up to 32V input. For maximum durability, the EPT3100 features a 1,000g shock rating and a 25g peak vibration rating at 20-2,000Hz. The IP66-rated sealed sensor is housed in a hermetically welded 304 stainless-steel casing, weighing 60g and measuring 22mm in diameter and 54mm in length.

A choice of miniature or standard DIN43650 connectors, or flying leads, is designed to make installation and field replacement straightforward. To meet the demands of the gruelling conditions for all types of autosports - and the most challenging industrial applications - the EPT3100 has an over-range pressure rating of 2x and a burst pressure capability to 5x, with a rated life of more than 10 million pressure cycles. The EPT3100 is a part of a range of specialist sensors and transducers that Variohm Eurosensor supplies across the autosports industry, including Formula 1, A1GP, WTCC, GP2, Champ, Nascar, ALMS and Superbike.

The complete range includes pressure and temperature sensor solutions for fuel, oil, coolant and brakes as well as force, torque and position measurement sensors for suspension travel, throttle and gearbox. Laser and infrared technologies are also supplied for ride height position and tyre condition.