Magnetic rotary sensors for angle detection

In regard to position and angle detection, there is a demand for rotary sensors that are able to determine how much a mechanism moves with high precision and which possess high durability for ongoing use over a long period.

Many of the most commonly used rotary sensors are resistive sensors that perform detection through contact and their precision and durability can be improved only to a certain extent, limited by the effects of abrasion and noise caused by sliding. This means there is a growing need for rotary sensors capable of non-contact angle detection for use in equipment demanding long life and high precision.

ALPS has developed the RDCC0 Series non-contact magnetic rotary sensor and started mass-producing the sensor in August. Use of an ALPS-developed high-precision magnetic element enables accurate angle detection and linearity of ±2%. Furthermore, the non-contact design eliminates contact abrasion, contributing to a long operating life of 10 million cycles, compared to one million cycles for normal rotary sensors.

The RDCC0 Series also has screw holes and a connector terminal on the side, allowing it to be integrated into end products without a PCB. This helps to reduce the customer’s soldering workload and improve freedom in equipment design.

Key features:

• Non-Contact Magnetic Rotary Sensor Achieving High Precision and Long Life,
• Use of magnetic element enables high-precision, non-contact detection,
• Long operating life of 10 million cycles,
• Screw holes and connector terminal for easy installation.

Target applications:

• Sewing machine pedals,
• Foot controllers for musical instruments, amusement machines and dental chairs,
• Other angle detection mechanisms for industrial equipment.

Specifications:

• Model: RDCC0 Series,
• Dimensions (diameter × D): 24mm diam. (excl. screw hole section) × 32mm (incl. shaft),
• Mechanical angle of rotation: 360°,
• Electrical angle:±15°,
• Linearity: ±2%,
• Rated voltage: 5V,
• Output voltage range: 0.3 - 4.3V,
• Operating temperature range: 0 to 50°C.