SSI position sensor is `world`s most accurate`

A US sensor-maker claims to have developed the world`s fastest and most accurate magnetostrictive position sensor. MTS Sensors says that the new Temposonics R-Series sensor, which has an SSI - synchronous serial interface - has a positional accuracy of ±20 microns, an update rate of 7.5kHz, and a resolution of 1 micron.

Magnetostrictive sensors use an elapsed time technique to determine the position of a permanent magnet. This provides an absolute position reading that never needs recalibrating or re-homing after a power loss. The non-contact technology eliminates wear and results in a durable sensor with a repeatable output (within 0.001%).

"For years, our products have been used in peripheral machine tool and CNC markets," says David Edeal, Temposonics` marketing manager. "Now, with our higher-performance SSI capability, we can provide more customers in the machine tool and related industries with a reliable, lower-cost alternative to typical linear encoder scales."

He adds that, as well as greater accuracy, the sensors will deliver "improved reliability and durability, in a smaller package with a lower cost".

The sensors` resolution, polarity and other parameters can be set in the field using a PC software package. The sensors incorporate diagnostic LEDs and come with an IP67 housing as standard, with an ATEX-approved explosion-proof housing as an option.