Position Sensors
Inductive position sensing principle of operation.
SENSOR
Uses Gill patented induction
technology, with a series of
coils measuring the position
of the metallic ‘activator’
ACTIVATOR
Metallic target ‘activator’,
typically made from mild
steel is mounted to, or
machined into, the moving
part of the application.
Inductive position sensing is a three step process…
Step 1 – Generate
The coil generates a magnetic field which
penetrates the activator, causing it to produce
its own opposite field.
Step 2 – Respond
The coil stops generating its magnetic field
and measures the activator’s induced field.
Step 3 – Compare
This measurement is compared across the series
of coils to calculate absolute measurement
of the activator’s position.
Advantages of induction technology
- Non-contact. Excellent long-term reliability in harsh environments
- Fully sealed and submersible sensor designs
- No output drift with temperature change
- Suitable for linear, angular and non-uniform measurement
- Unaffected by the presence of permanent magnets
- Wide temperature operating range
- No requirement for mechanical linkages
