Sensors/Test & Measurement

October 2008

Linear Position Sensor
The A40-HR 20P linear position and velocity sensor from Visi-Trak (Charlottesville, VA) provides control resolution exceeding 0.001 in. at 200 inches per second. The auto-calibrating sensor can sense any stroke length, suiting it for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders or any linear actuator requiring high speed and precision.

The sensor comprises a transducer paired with an encoded rod, housed in a cylindrical enclosure measuring 0.656 in. diameter × 1.75 in. long. An antialiasing encoder interface allows precise sampling at high speeds without contact between the rod and the transducer.

For free info visit http://info.hotims.com/15140-303

August 2008

Infrared camera
FLIR Systems Inc. (Boston, MA) has introduced the ThermoVision A320G infrared camera for machine vision applications. The A320G is reportedly the only infrared camera designed to be compatible with GigE Vision and supports the GenICam protocol for easy integration with digital cameras. With its universal plug and play (uPnP) and GigE Vision Control protocols, the A320G allows for easy system integration.

The camera’s GenICam protocol provides a generic programming interface for various cameras, regardless of interface technology, and is compatible with thirdparty software including IMAQ Vision and Common Vision Blox. Other features include image flow control that allows an external signal to control the image streaming, digital I/O for triggering and synchronization with external equipment, infrared monitoring software to run up to 9 cameras simultaneously, a built-in 25 degree lens with both motorized and auto focus, and high sensitivity (<70mK) for sharp images and excellent image quality (320×240 pixels).

For free info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15136-305

June 2008

Pressure Sensor
The Model GT100 from Stellar Technology (Amherst, NY) is a heavy-duty pressure transducer for severe applications like rocket engine testing that can ruin a typical pressure sensor. It features a cleanable pressure cavity and a field-replaceable, stainless steel diaphragm.

The GT100 has a standard output of 3 mV/V and delivers linearity and hysteresis of 0.25% over pressures of 150 to 20,000 psig. Exceptional thermal isolation ensures reliable performance over an operating temperature of -100°F to +300°F. This stainless steel sensor has built-in overpressure protection and low sensitivity to shock, vibration, and thermal influence. Wiring is through a heavy-duty, six-pin stainless steel connector, and four pressure fittings are available.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15132-302

Torque Sensor
A rotating torque sensor from Sensor Development (Lake Orion, MI) feature a bearing system that allows the structure to be exposed to very high radial loads without damage. Most standard torque sensors require their housings to float to minimize any extraneous loading other than the torque applied to the shaft.

The sensor handles extraneous loads up to 9000 lbs/40 kN. It allows the operator to eliminate pillow block bearings and reduce overall torsion inertia, thereby increasing the overall stiffness of the driveline. The sensor is suited for measuring components subjected to loads such as steering columns, pulleys, and universal joints. All sensors include an ISO-17025 accredited calibration certificate.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15132-306

Radio Touch Probe
The RMP600 touch probe from Renishaw (Hoffman Estates, IL) combines high-accuracy strain-gage sensing and frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) radio transmission. The probe allows high part checking precision on five-axis machining, contours, deep cavities, and undercuts, where obstacles or part features can block transmission by optical line-of-sight probes.

The versatile probe enables rapid, automated part set-up and changeover, in-process control of critical dimensions, and even final inspection on certain parts to speed throughput. It combines a patented sensing mechanism and advanced electronics to allow sub-micron 3D probe performance on contoured surfaces. The probe delivers repeatability of 0.25 μm (0.000010 in.) with a 50-mm long stylus, 0.35 μm with a 100-mm stylus, and is recommended for styli up to 200 mm. By using strain gages, the probe can trigger at much lower and highly consistent contact forces, resulting in less bending of the stylus, negligible pre-travel and superior metrology performance.

Compatible with a wide range of machine controllers, the RMP600 can be used with high-speed, single-touch or double-touch probing routines. The RMP600 uses the company’s frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) transmission, which does not use a dedicated radio channel. Instead, the probe and receiver ‘hop’ together through a sequence of channels. FHSS enables multiple machining centers with the probe system to coexist with confidence in “noisy” industrial environments, particularly as wireless Wi-Fi proliferates on plant floors.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15132-313

April 2008

Load Cells
(Amherst, NY) includes 20 models covering ranges from 5 lb to 1,000,000 lb. These cells are available in pancake, rod end, miniature, through-hole, load pin, beam, and canister designs. The cells incorporate welded stainless steel or highstrength alloy construction. All have strain gage technology and resist shock and vibration. The cells are available with approvals for hazardous environments, including intrinsically safe and explosion-proof, including ATEX, CSA, CE, DNV, EX, and ABS. They are available as standard products or engineered to customer specs.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15128-302

Linear Actuated Sensor
BI Technologies’ (Fullerton, CA) 400 Series linear actuated sensor is offered with and without end bearings to suit the different grades of various applications. Redundant output is available, and stroke size ranges from 0.5 to 6.0 in.

The sensor has been specified for use by a business jet manufacturer and has received FAA approval. It is available with various options in order to meet requirements for a range of sensing applications.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15128-310

Accelerometer
Dytran Instruments’ 3234A series IEPE accelerometer is available in three versions with varying sensitivities and range. Model 3234A1 is rated 10mV/g, Model 3234A2 is 100mV/g, and Model 3234A3 is 500mV/g. Suited for modal analysis, NVH, squeak & rattle and general purpose vibration applications, the accelerometer has ultra-low noise electronics, wide bandwidth and all titanium construction. It is also ground isolated.

This accelerometer features a 10-32 mounting hole and its cubic design allows for adhesive mounting on multiple mounting faces. The accelerometer features low impedance voltage mode (IEPE) operation. The self-generating seismic element, utilizing piezoceramic crystals in planar shear mode, converts acceleration to an analogous electrostatic charge mode signal. This very high impedance signal is fed to the input of a miniature on-board IC JFET charge amplifier that drops the output impedance level ten orders of magnitude, allowing this instrument to drive long cables without harming sensitivity and frequency response.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15128-325

February 2006

Vibration Analyzer
Datastick Systems (Campbell, CA) offers the VSA-1212 vibration spectrum analyzer, a PDA-based vibration analyzer that uses off-the-shelf ICP®-type piezoelectric accelerometers for machine condition monitoring and maintenance. The system includes the Datastick® analyzer module that attaches to PDAs running Palm OS, the Datastick Spectrum handheld software that collects and displays vibration measurements, and Datastick Reporting System™ software that receives the data from the handheld into a Microsoft® Excel® workbook on the PC.

Measurement data is collected, viewed, analyzed, and stored on the PDA and then exported to a PC for further analysis and publishing to the Web. Cursor-position readouts on the main display show specific values when the user touches a point with the stylus. Up to 22 MB of recorded waveform and spectrum data can be stored. Six selectable windowing options are available, as well as 12 selectable frequency bandwidth options. Industry-standard BNC connectors connect with industrial-grade accelerometers.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5655-337

December 2005

Motor and Drive Test Kit
Fluke Corp. (Everett, WA) offers the 1587/MDT Advanced Motor & Drive Troubleshooting Kit that provides technicians with the tools necessary to troubleshoot motor and variable-frequency-drive electrical problems. It combines in a rugged case a Fluke 1587 insulation multimeter, a Fluke i400 current clamp, and a Fluke 9040 rotary field indicator. The insulation multimeter provides insulation resistance testing to 2 GW, with five output voltages from 50 to 1000 V for use with motors, motor drives, cables, and switchgears. The current clamp measures current without breaking the circuit, and the rotary field indicator lets users check the rotation of three-phase motors.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5294-326

Linear Position Transducer
Balluff (Florence, KY) has introduced the Micropulse TA12, a non-contact linear position sensor with explosion-proof housing. The TA12 is designed for continuous feedback on hydraulically and pneumatically actuated valves for oil and gas refining, storage, transport, and handling. Control signal interface options include analog voltage and current, start/stop pulse digital, synchronous serial digital, digital quadrature, and digital field buses such as Profibus and CANbus.

The sensor incorporates its electronics and sensing hardware in a Rapid Replacement Module that allows field repairs by the user. On all analog voltage and current versions, the linear stroke range and the location of the zero and span points can be user-adjusted in the field using a two-button, removable programming tool.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5294-302

Torque Transducers
PCB Piezotronics, Force/Torque Division (Depew, NY), has released rotating torque transducers that utilize non-contact, rotary transformers for sending excitation voltage to, and receiving measurement signals from, the strain gage instrumented rotating sensor element. The rotary transformer design eliminates the need for replacing worn brushes. An optional pickup provides an output proportional to speed and an optional K type thermal couple to monitor internal bearing temperature.

The units are suitable for use in torque studies on cantilevered aerospace hydraulic motors and pumps, dynamometers for combustion engines, drive shafts, transmissions, fans, and electric motors. For

Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5294-306

Flow Monitor
weber Sensors (Woodstock, GA) has introduced flowGuard, a calorimetric relativereading flow monitor with a built-in learn function. When the flow is turned on, the monitor automatically scales itself to display it as 100% of full flow. The process set-point is then automatically set at 50%. No calibration or adjustment is necessary. Settings may be changed via pushbutton. The monitor has no moving parts, is made of stainless steel, and features 1P67 protection and epoxy encapsulated electronics to protect against shock and vibration.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5294-323

Triaxial Accelerometer
Dytran Instruments (Chatsworth, CA) offers the model 3023AH high-temperature triaxial accelerometer with integral electronics that operates over the temperature range of -60 to 325°F. It has a frequency range of 2 Hz to 10,000 Hz, with a sensitivity of 10 mV/g. The welded- hermetic sensor weighs 3 grams with a footprint of 0.36" × 0.36". The accelerometer is suitable for flight test applications, and for automotive NVH applications on engines and HASS/HAST chambers when higher than usual temperatures are encountered.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5294-307

Electric Motor Testing System
SAKOR Technologies (Okemos, MI) offers DynoLAB LT, a turnkey system for electric motor testing that provides test control and data acquisition capabilities for basic testing, as well as the benefits of an AC motoring dynamometer. The system has provisions for measuring speed and torque, and optional voltage and current supply to the motor under test. From the data, the system can calculate values such as input and output power and efficiency. The system software offers basic functionality required for most performance, durability, and quality control testing.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5294-318

June

Accelerometer
With non-linearity better than 0.05% and low vibration rectification, the LCA-100 30g Series accelerometer from Jewell Instruments (Manchester, NH) offers ±5.0 V full range output, 200-Hz bandwidth, and <1° transverse axis misalignment. Operating temperature range is -55° to 71°C. Survival temperature range is -65° to 105°C. The seal meets MIL-STD-202, Method 112 standards, and the unit withstands shock to 300G, 0.011 second, 1/2 sine. The accelerometer is suitable for industrial, commercial, and aerospace sensing applications.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5081-314