Angular position sensors target industrial markets

25th May 2017

Alice Matthews

0 0

Datasheet

Manufacturer of electromechanical switch and sensor solutions for the industrial market sector, ZF Switches & Sensors, can now offer designers a complete range of angular position sensors based on Hall Effect technology which responds to magnetic fields generated by a (rare-earth) magnet. The sensors provide a linear change in voltage output corresponding to the rotation of the actuator. The ANG series of sensors are non-contact angular position sensors which provide a linear change in the voltage output corresponding to an angular rotation of the input shaft.

One or two independent (non- or semi-redundant) outputs are available. The sensors offer rotation up to 360°, can replace potentiometers and have a 12 bit resolution. Custom programming is available for angle range, slope and PWM output. ANG sensors are waterproof to IP68, have a temperature range from -40 to 140°C and have wire termination. The compact design has no mechanical interface ensuring there are no parts to wear out or jam.

Typical applications include position sensing, throttle-by-wire, steering, gear selection, and outboard trim sensing on industrial vehicles, fork lift trucks and agricultural trailer hitching.

The ZF AN1 sensors family are angular position sensors with an integral magnet with sensor housing and mate with a Delphi Metri-Pak 150 connector. They offer a nominal rotational range of 120° with counter-clockwise rotation. The sensors are mechanically tested to ten million cycles, meet IP67 have an electrical operating range 5-85°C and operating temperature range from -40 to 125°C. The completely encapsulated assembly is suitable for printing equipment and rough terrain applications including farming machinery.

The AN8 sensor is available with wire termination or Delphi Metri-Pak 150 connector. The IP67 rated device has an operating temperature range of -40 to 125°C, an angular rotation up to 360° and can be used to replace potentiometers. Having no mechanical interface ensures high reliability as there are no parts to wear out or jam.

Applications include fork lift truck position sensing, steering-by-wire and foot pedal control of throttle and brake for golf and utility carts The final model in the ZF angular position sensor range is the AN9 which offers redundancy for safety-critical applications an angular rotation of up to 360°, wire termination, IP67 rating and an operating temperature range of -40 to 125°C.

An example of a design requiring redundancy for safety purposes is the steering column of forklifts where the rotation angle of the steering column needs to be detected to justify the wheel position of the vehicle. Other applications include steer-by-wire, position sensing and foot pedals for throttle and brake control.

Mark Mills, Distribution Sales Manager for ZF Switches & Sensors, commented: "ZF has vast experience of supplying sensors to the automotive market and our range of industrial sensors provide cost effective, high reliability sensing solutions for the growing industrial sensing market."