Geared potentiometers are used in various applications where the positioning feedback of slow moving shafts is required. These potentiometers sometimes come with variable gear ratios to increase the number of revolutions they can measure. The mechanical complexity of these contact based potentiometric systems have drawbacks in terms of flexibility and reliability.

MICRONOR introduces the world’s first commercially-available absolute Fiber Optic Position Sensor (FOPS). The Model MR330 series position sensor is an innovative all-optical design immune to any electro-magnetic interference such as lightening, radiation, magnetic fields and other harsh environmental conditions. The fiber optic aspect of the sensor also makes it perfectly suited for long distance position sensing over hundreds of meters without being affected by ground loop problems. The FOPS system is based on Micronor’s years of research, innovation and patents in fiber optic sensing technology.

High Performance
The new OCD II CANopen series has been designed to be more compact and have better performance. Like all OPTOCODE encoders, the new models use a tried and tested optoelectronic scanning method to record positional values. The single-turn sensor provides a resolution of up to 16 bit per revolution (0.05º) and the Multi-turn unit registers a maxi-mum of 16,384 revolutions (14 bit), thereby covering an overall measuring range of 30 bit. Use of a fully integrated CAN controller has optimized the architecture and reduced the cost. Improved mechanical design makes the encoder shorter and therefore suitable for applications with limited space. The sturdy encoder design offers up to IP67 Ingress Protection.

POSITAL introduces improved PROFINET I/O encoders which, according to the V4 profile, support IRT, RT and NRT data transfer (isochronous real-time/real-time/non-real-time). The revised encoders feature an Ertec200-based platform and reach cycle times as low as 1 ms (IRT) and 10 ms (RT). They are parameterized via the control system and configuration is facilitated by a GSDML device file.