Rugged rotary sensor is factory-programmable

Date: 18/11/2008

Penny + Giles is launching its most configurable rotary sensor, the SRH500P. The factory-programmable sensor, for use in extreme environments, gives OEMs a wide selection of parameters so the sensor can be configured to suit their individual needs.

Based on non-contact Hall-effect technology it can operate in high-dither vibration conditions with no deterioration of the sensing element. It is resistant to shock and vibration, which makes it suitable for many position monitoring applications on off-highway vehicles. These include steering position, suspension position and lift system position on municipal, agricultural and construction vehicles.

The sensor operates from either a 5V DC regulated or 9-30V DC unregulated power supply and can be supplied programmed with any one of 341 different angles from 20 degrees up to 360 degrees in one-degree increments. It has a 12-bit resolution (0.025 per cent) over the selected measuring range and, for ease of configuration, is it available with single or dual-redundant analogue (0.5-4.5V DC) or digital (PWM) outputs.

OEMs can specify the measurement range and output in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. A dual-output version can be set up to have independent measurement ranges for each output.

The SRH500P is said to be easy to install and has a very low maximum output signal noise of 1mV rms, which means that no additional signal filtering is required on the output signal. It is mechanically interchangeable with the Penny + Giles SRS880 and SRH880 rotary sensors, enabling existing users to upgrade to higher sophistication and a greater level of control.

Penny + Giles is offering the sensor in a marine-grade cast aluminium housing with an 88mm diameter flange and 12mm diameter shaft. When specified with cable option D it is sealed to IP69K for increased protection in harsh environments. It can withstand high-temperature applications and, when powered at 5V DC, the sensor operates reliably in the temperature range of -40 to +140 degrees C.

For added customisation the sensor is available with four choices of electrical connection: gland only; gland and cable; gland cable and IP69K connector; and M12 connector. Larger volume users are also offered non-linear and switched outputs, clamp voltage levels, mixed analogue and digital outputs and different output phasing to shaft position.

For more information, visit www.pennyandgiles.com