AB Elektronik in Cambridge, the sensor division of TT electronics, has developed a new position sensing technology platform capable of high accuracy measurement over larger distances than current track systems.

 The ‘Large Displacement Encoder’ operates with linear or curved tracks and is capable of determining absolute position with a resolution of just 40 microns.

Based on the company’s IndiSense™ technology, the new system uses multiple pucks in close coupling with a track whose length and contours can be tailored according to the application.

Software processes the data from the multi-pucks to produce a continuous output in various output protocols including RS232, Ethernet and PWM. The company says the IndiSense non-contact sensor has “excellent tolerance against ‘z-direction’ offset errors and can be packaged in a variety of formats.”

The technology can be supplied as a skeleton construction suitable for user integration, or as a pre-packaged sensor enabling use in a wide range of environments.

Originally developed for use in the aerospace industry, the IndiSense Large Displacement Sensor is positioned as a replacement for magnetic strip sensors in defence, industrial, transportation and medical sectors. Applications include uses on multi-axis robots, moulding machines, machining systems, materials handling equipment.

The product can be used in a true non-contact mode, eliminating issues of wear as well as being highly tolerant of contamination from, for example, dust or moisture. In a commercial environment of ever increasing raw material prices, this magnet-free technology offers flexibility for retrofit to existing applications and exhibits high resistance to RFI and EMI.  

“This is great example of an innovative technology that has been developed through leveraging skills and techniques gained during our many years of automotive experience”, said Phillip Joyce, global business development director at AB Elektronik.

“The IndiSense platform technology is a further step in our product diversification strategy towards our mission of delivering the best value solutions for critical sensing applications.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Phillip Joyce