Posted to News on 21st May 2008, 22:53
IPX rotary potentiometers cope with extreme environments
Variohm Eurosensor is launching a new range of heavy-duty rotary potentiometers from Novotechnik for precision angle measurement in extreme environmental conditions. With a choice of IP67 or IP69K protection ratings, the durable IPX series is available in single or redundant output versions with a choice of 120, 200 or 350degree electrical ranges and with independent linearity to +/-0.1 per cent or better.
With dimensions of just 79mm diameter and 35mm length, the compact potentiometers benefit from a hermetically sealed housing in standard anodised aluminium or optional stainless steel. The robust design includes a double ball bearing shaft support with a variety of stainless steel shaft options plus mounting flange, lever arm and other drive accessories. Electrical connection for each sensor channel is via an M12 threaded connector for IP67-rated use or with sealed PG style cable glands for IP69K applications.
The range is based on the proven Novotechnik conductive plastic element and multi-finger wiper technology that offers more than 100million cycles of lifetime and a positional repeatability to within 0.002 per cent of the electrical range. In addition, excellent shock (to 50g) and vibration (to 5g at 2kHz) are available as standard.
The IPX range was originally designed as a custom special for a number of demanding electro-hydraulic steering angle measurement applications in agricultural machinery where high levels of vibration and shock loading and exposure to high pressure spray are frequently encountered. As volume production grew for this popular range, applications in other extreme areas such as chemical processing, cranes and other heavy-duty off-road transportation provided economies of scale in manufacturing techniques, leading to the cost-competitive range available today.
