Miniature LVDT position sensors provide accurate position feedback

Macro Sensors CD 375 Series is available in full-scale measurement ranges from ±0.025-inch to ±2.0-inch, offering a core-to-bore radial clearance of 0.012-inch, repeatability with error of <0.01% of FSO.

By SOURCE: Macro Sensors April 21, 2011

The compact size and accurate output of Macro Sensors’ CD 375 Series of miniature LVDTs make the linear position sensors ideal for providing displacement feedback in different robotic applications.

Robots and robotic arms rely on sensors to determine range of motion or force applied to an object. Attached to a robotic arm, the Macro Sensors miniature LVDT linear position sensors detect position change when an actuator moves the robotic arm, providing an analog voltage signal, proportional to the amount of motion, to a controller that makes appropriate adjustments based on programmable set points. With the data provided by the sensor, the controller can determine when the robotic arm should stop or slow down. For example, on a pick and place machine, if the robotic arm exceeded its travel distance, it could drive right through the board it intended to populate. Macro Sensors miniature linear position sensors evaluate the robotic arm movement for optimum performance.

In addition to industrial robots, Macro Sensors CD 375 miniature LVDTs are suitable as an integral part of devices, such as hydraulic actuators, servo valves, medical equipment and other small mechanisms. A compact 3/8” diameter design and lightweight low mass core make the small contactless position sensors ideal for applications having high dynamic response requirements such as ATMs, copy machines, plastic injection molding machines and automatic inspection equipment.

Available in full-scale measurement ranges from ±0.025 inch to ±2.0 inch, these ac operated linear position sensors offer a core-to-bore radial clearance of 0.012 inch. Units feature repeatability (error of <0.01% of FSO), high resolution and the high sensitivity consistent with good linearity (maximum linearity error of ±0.25% FRO).

Environmentally robust, the CD 375 Series operate in temperature extremes of -65 °F to 220 °F. Stainless steel housings and epoxy encapsulation protects units from environmentally hostile conditions. External sealing of the miniature position sensors meets IEC standard IP61.

Interchangeable with most manufacturer units, the CD 375 Series LVDTs operate with any conventional differential input LVDT signal conditioners. Macro Sensors manufactures a full line of LVDT signal conditioners that offer optimum performance from any CD 375 Series LVDTs.

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Macro Sensors

– Edited by Gust Gianos, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com