Penny + Giles has developed a pulse-width modulation (PWM) option for its ICT range of contactless in-cylinder linear transducers.
Launched in 2005, the rugged and reliable ICT range was designed for hostile conditions inside mobile and static hydro-pneumatic actuators.
The new option provides further assurance for OEMs, as the digital signal of the PWM is more robust and less vulnerable to noise than analogue voltage signals. The option also provides a simple cost-effective way to 'go digital', as it does not require an analogue-to-digital converter or other re-configuration.
Penny + Giles' ICT transducers come with a separate electronics package, EICT. This can be located up to 10m away from the transducer to protect it from the harsh environments associated with heavy-duty applications such as steering position actuators and hydro-pneumatic suspension systems. Currently the EICT provides analogue position feedback proportional to the cylinder rod position for actuator strokes up to 2000mm.
The PWM option produces a TTL-level compatible signal that has a duty cycle proportional to transducer displacement. This can be converted easily to a digital value by most microcontrollers without the necessity for expensive high-resolution analogue-to-digital converters.
Four different output frequencies can be selected, 100Hz, 130Hz, 310Hz and 1000Hz, allowing users to choose the best compromise between digital resolution and acquisition speed for their particular system. As a result of this development, OEMs can now expand their digital control logic offering for measurement and control sensing technology in line with increased customer demand.
For more information, visit www.pennyandgiles.com
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