ONTARIO, CALIF. Spectrol Electronics Corp.'s Model 938 sensor combines digital and analog electronics in an environmentally sealed, standardized package. The multi-output sensor uses Spectrol's proprietary silver-in-glass digital logic output for limit switch functions, logic signals and zone logic, while the conductive-plastic potentiometric output furnishes the analog signal and absolute position. The sensor is said to survive more than 300 million dither cycles. In some cases, Spectrol said, it can replace two potentiometers, two to four microswitches, and mechanical gears and cams.
On-board electronics can be modified to achieve many custom output functions. The digital and analog circuits are isolated, providing redundant signal capability in the same package. Seven terminals can be configured as input, output or ground. The customer has flexibility in terms of the analog resistive angle and slope and the position of the digital logic points, Spectrol said.
The sensor enables the removal of external switches and wire harnessing, along with associated assembly labor costs. Its redundant functions help increase the margin of safety, according to the company.
Typical applications include equipment such as forklifts, personnel carriers, agricultural tractors, marine equipment and motor-controller actuators. The sensor can be used as an actuator on a control panel, for industrial controls, in throttle or pedal control, or as a feedback position sensor for angular motion sensing or pivot-point position feedback.
Using a standard housing, bushing, shaft and pin configuration, the sensor element is the key customer-defined variable. Engineers can design their own element to match their required functions. Following prototype acceptance, production pricing for the Model 938 starts at $18.
CALL (800) 624-8902
EETInfo No. 661