In nature, some animals — such as bats and dolphins — analyze the echo of a sound or call (a process known as echolocation) to navigate or to find prey. In industrial applications, ultrasonic sensors use the analysis of echos from ultrasonic waves to determine the presence, position, or distance of an object. Ultrasonic waves are […]
Encoders + sensors (linear) + I/O
What are capacitive sensors and where are they used?
Linear position feedback devices — also referred to as linear encoders — typically measure travel distances ranging from a few dozen millimeters to several meters. But when a positioning system has a very short travel — a few millimeters or less — traditional linear encoders are often too bulky or don’t provide the required measuring resolution. […]
HEIDENHAIN expands popular kit encoder series for better motion control
HEIDENHAIN is proud to introduce a new high accuracy motion feedback encoder that can now be used for absolute positioning in machines in the semiconductor, metrology and robotic industries. This new LIC 3100 absolute kit encoder is an additional offering that fits between HEIDENHAIN’s already successful LIC 4100 and 2100 series. It is expected to be […]
Renishaw launches the FORTiS range of next-generation enclosed linear absolute encoders
Renishaw, the global metrology specialist, launches the innovative FORTiS enclosed linear absolute encoder series, for use in harsh environments such as machine tools. The FORTiS design is built upon industry-proven RESOLUTE encoder technology and provides high resistance to the ingress of liquids and solid debris contaminants. It features an extruded enclosure with longitudinally attached interlocking […]
When is encoder resolution specified in bits, and what does that tell us?
Absolute encoders — whether rotary or linear — track the position of an axis by assigning a unique value to each position on the encoder, so that no matter where the axis being measured is located, its exact position can be determined. And because each position is uniquely identified, this holds true even if the […]
What’s the difference between minimum incremental motion (MIM) and resolution?
When we talk about the positioning capabilities of a linear motion system, we typically talk about accuracy and repeatability, and in some applications — especially those driven by stepper motors — we may also be concerned with resolution. But accuracy and repeatability define a system’s ability to reach its commanded position and to do so over […]
What are the differences between incremental and sine-cosine encoders?
Encoders that provide incremental position measurements (whether rotary or linear) output two signals, or channels, typically termed “A” and “B,” to provide position and direction information. These output signals can be in the form of analog sine and cosine waves or in the form of digital square waves. Those that produce digital output signals are typically […]
THK OMNIedge System provides predictive failure detection of linear motion components
THK’s innovative OMNIedge System enables predictive failure detection of linear motion components for improved productivity and reduced maintenance costs. The OMNIedge network sets up automatically and sensors are simply installed on existing components for convenient and easy remote monitoring of operating conditions. Data is securely collected through a dedicated closed IoT network for analysis and […]
What is a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)?
In previous articles, we’ve covered a variety of technologies for measuring linear position: magnetic and optical encoders, magnetostrictive sensors, and even measuring systems integrated into linear guide systems. Another technology for measuring absolute linear position is the linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). A linear variable differential transformer is an induction-based measuring system that consists of […]
NewTek sensor addresses requirements for custom LVDT position sensors
As many industries continue to experience supply chain challenges, NewTek Sensor Solution is addressing more requests for custom LVDT sensors in short timelines in meeting unique and demanding position measurement requirements for applications in a range of industries including oil/gas, packaging, manufacturing and power generation. As travel bans, border closures and regulations associated with COVID-19 […]
