Spotlight on Sensors and Transducers 14685

Originally Published MPMN October 2002

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Sensors and Transducers

RTD probes and assemblies

RTD assemblies with thin-film platinum and nickel, as well as Balco elements, are available. Standard accuracies include DIN Class A and B. Other materials, tolerances, and designs are provided on request. Because of their linearity, stability, and accuracy over a wide temperature range, RTDs have been the gold standard of temperature measurement devices for many years, according to the supplier. Advanced Thermal Products, St. Mary's, PA 15857.

Sensor detection

Ceramic chip components combine capacitor A temperature-resistant hardware code located inside a sensor automatically identifies what type of sensor it is and its level of sensitivity. Accessory electronic devices set the optimal measurement range so that the highest possible signal resolution is always guaranteed. Because of its easy handling, the Priased sensor is suitable for production monitoring. Adjustments on an injection molding machine are not necessary—simply plug the cavity pressure sensor in the respective amplifier. Priamus System Technologies AG, Bahnhofstr. 36, Schaffhausen CH-8200, Switzerland.

Ultrasonic transducers

High-performance ultrasonic transducers are based on piezocomposite technology. The units are available in a frequency range of 200 kHz to 20 MHz, as single elements and annular, linear, curved, and matrix arrays dedicated to many applications such as imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, bone densitometry, and blood velocimetry. Imasonic SA, 15 rue Alain Savary, 25000 Besancon, France.

Hydrostatic level transducer

A hydrostatic level transducer has a Modbus-RTU framing format, enabling compatibility with a variety of Modbus devices. The Series 510 smart KPSI operates at 1200, 2400, or 4800 baud, with an accuracy of ±0.10% total error band. The unit weighs 12 oz and has a supply voltage of 6 to 28 V dc and a current draw of 10 mA active. Pressure ranges extend from 0–5 to 0–1000 psig, and custom pressure ranges are available. Pressure Systems, 2332 Hosp Way, #306, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Current transducers

Compact DIN rail-mounted current transducers accept ac, dc, or distorted current waveforms. The MCR-S 1/5-UI-(SW)-DCI and MCR-S-10/50-UI-(SW)-DCI modules are designed with a Hall effect sensor that enables them to accept a current range between 0–11 and 0–55 A. The 0–11-A version accepts a direct termination of the current signal wires, and the 0–55-A model accepts the current-carrying conductor that is passed through the center of the module's 22.5 mm housing. Phoenix Contact Inc., P.O. Box 4100, Harrisburg, PA 17111-0100.

Digital transmitter

A pressure transmitter based on silicon piezoresistive sensors features all-welded-stainless-steel construction that provides good media compatibility. The DTE1000 transmitter can measure either on request or continuously and store values taken at preset intervals in its internal memory for later retrieval. The digital instrument has an overall accuracy rate of 0.1%, programmable data logging and continuous data conversion, RS-485 digital output with Modbus protocol, ultralow power consumption, and pressure ranges from 0 to 100 mbar to 0 to 70 bar absolute or gauge. Sensortechnics Inc., 11844 Dublin Blvd., Ste. E, Dublin, CA 94568.

Thermistors

High-performance thermistors include both positive and negative temperature coefficients. A complete selection of interchangeable, point-matched, surface-mount, and thin-film models is available. Custom applications can be accommodated with options in materials, configurations, leads, and connections. Selco Products Co., 709 N. Poplar St., Orange, CA 92868-1013.

Miniature ultrasonic sensors

Miniature ultrasonic sensors offer a sensing range of 100 mm with a blind range as small as 10 mm. For space-restricted applications, the switching point can be remotely adjusted using the external Teach-in capability, eliminating the need for direct access to the sensor housing. The units feature a narrow sonic beam angle of 6°, which makes them suitable for sensing objects through tight openings such as bottlenecks, test tubes, or ampules. The sensors have a 10-millisecond reaction time and are sealed to IP67. Baumer Electric Ltd., 122 Spring St., C-6, Southington, CT 06489-1534.

Magnetorestrictive sensors

Noncontact linear displacement measurement sensors are available in commercial-grade packages. The Temposonics line offers no wear, noncontact reliability, and absolute position convenience in a form that will fit many space-constrained, cost-sensitive applications. The technology is capable of multiple position measurements and eliminates the drift common in inductive devices while featuring one-time, set-and-forget calibration. The units are available in analog or PWM in standard packages, or sensor modules only. MTS Sensors Div., 3001 Sheldon Dr., Cary, NC 27513.

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