Posted to News on 10th Apr 2015, 16:36
Magnetostrictive position sensors available with SSI interface
MTS Sensors is adding synchronous serial interface (SSI) functionality to the robust GB-Series. The new GBS offering is based on the company's proprietary Temposonics technology. This high-resolution magnetostrictive position sensor delivers excellent levels of linearity (up to +/-0.02 per cent full scale) and repeatability (up to +/-0.005 per cent full scale).
The rod-shaped sensors that constitute the GB-Series are highly optimised for incorporation into hydraulic cylinders, such as those used in power generation plants. These devices are available with measuring lengths between 25mm and 3.25m. The flat, compact housing for their supporting electronics makes them easy to deploy in restricted spaces. They offer IP67-rated ingress protection with an adapted connector or IP68-rated protection for models with cable outlets. High pressure resistance and strong immunity to electro-magnetic interference are further operational advantages of these sensors. The standard -40degC to +90degC (+194degF) operating temperature range is above what is available elsewhere on the market, and this is pushed still further by the extended temperature range version which reaches -40degC to +100degC (+212degF).
Now with inclusion of a SSI interface, the GBS derivative of the GB-Series allows access to another highly popular output format, with users able to select between SSI and analogue output options as appropriate. SSI functionality enhances reliability and signal integrity in harsh industrial environments, enabling 5um measurement resolution to be attained.
GB-Series sensors are not only programmable using a hand-programmer unit, or using a computer via USB port; they are also suitable for configuration wirelessly via Bluetooth. This feature expedites the implementation process and makes maintenance easy to undertake, especially when sensors are located in hard-to-reach places. The accompanying programming software enables the user to set and adjust a wide variety of different parameters, such as synchronous/asynchronous measurement modes, measuring direction, coding and data length.
Dr Olaf Kissing, Product Manager for Industrial Sensors at MTS Sensors comments: "Thanks to their SSI interconnection and high temperature capabilities, GBS sensors have the capacity to satisfy the demands of turbines in gas and steam power stations. They can accurately generate position data even at 100degC, while also presenting customers with a compelling price/performance ratio."
MTS Sensor's proprietary Temposonics technology provides a very accurate, non-contact method for measuring position, which is highly suited to perform well in the most challenging of industrial settings. Sensors utilising this technology are effectively wear-free. They are able to cope with vibrations, shock, high pressures and elevated temperatures without their reliability being put at risk or any compromise in their performance.
To learn more about the GB-Series of high-resolution magnetostrictive position sensors, please visit www.mtssensors.com.
