Sensors for non-linear motion

. Tyco Electronics' PLCD (Permanent magnetic Linear Contactless Displacement) platform sensors are designed primarily for demanding automotive applications, offering measuring distances up to 200mm, with either analogue or digital interfaces. Automotive applications include linear drive mode sensors for automatic transmissions and gear, shift and neutral position detection, as well as clutch position measurement in automated manual transmissions. The devices are also used as clutch position sensors in electrical park brakes and in distribution boxes for 4x4 vehicles. The sensors provide accurate measurements (to 0.1% of the measurement range) and are resistant to high vibration and variable temperature environments. A permanent magnet located on the actuator is used as the triggering element. The position of the magnet is determined by the sensor element and transmitted as analogue or digital signal output. The most significant property of the PLCD sensors is their ability to operate without any mechanical connection between the driving magnet and sensor element, so the devices are completely free of wear, require virtually no maintenance and offer a long service life even under extreme conditions. This property enables the driving of the sensor through walls made of non-magnetic materials. This is useful in hydraulic or pneumatic applications, where the permanent magnet is simply fixed on the piston and drives the PLCD sensor through the cylinder from, say, aluminum or brass. Other possible applications include excavators and forklifts; level and flow metering; linear actuators; conveying and storage equipment; and safety engineering. Even in the case of bent arrangements of the sensor the principle of function of the displacement sensor is true. Therefore, the sensor is ideally suited to measuring non-linear motion such as rotary actuators.