Product category:
Linear Position Sensors
News Release from: Piher International | Subject: Position sensors
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 March 2001
Low-profile position
sensor/potentiometer
Piher has introduced a resistive sensor that is ideal for a wide range of position sensing and control functions in automotive, industrial and consumer applications.
Piher has introduced a resistive sensor that is ideal for a wide range of position sensing and control functions in automotive, industrial and consumer applications The N-15 Carbon Position Sensor/Potentiometer is a low profile, 15mm device that can be through-hole or surface mounted, with straightforward construction that simplifies mechanical integration into equipment designs
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 23 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Electrically, the N-15 is a linear potentiometer element available in 5kOhm and 10kOhm values, with a nominal tolerance of +/-30% and an absolute linearity figure of +/-3%.
The resistive track is carbon, with silver dead zones at the ends of the track.
The N-15 is specified for use over a temperature range of -40 to +120C.
Further reading
Rotary sensor is designed as low-cost upgrade
Targeted for powertrain and other critical applications, the Z-15 rotary sensor has been specifically designed to be integrated within existing systems.
Hall-effect sensor resists fluctuations
The programmable Hall-effect technology used by Piher in the new PSC-360 is only sensitive to the flux density coplanar with the IC surface.
It can be reflow soldered in assembly.
Mechanical parameters include low profile of just 4 mm, and an active sensing angle of 300 deg, with an overall rotation angle of 360 deg - there are no end stops built in to the sensor.
Operating torque is less than 2 mN.m, and the lifetime of the N-15 is 100,000 rotational cycles.
In addition to the continuous shaft rotation, equipment designers will appreciate the simple construction, the fact that the shaft can be inserted from either side of the sensor, and the polarised "T" rotor that meets the European Home Appliances standard.
The N-15 can be used to measure the position of almost any rotating assembly, and is equally suited to use as a control input or a feedback sensor.
In automotive design there are applications in heating and air conditioning systems, both to sense control inputs, and to measure positions of shafts within an HVAC unit.
The N-15 can be used as the feedback sensor in rear-view mirror actuators, and as a position sensor in electrically adjusted seats.
It is ideal as a control input sensor/selector in many consumer and domestic appliances, for example boilers, radiators, ovens and freezers; and in washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and white goods in general.
Piher can also provide uprated versions of the sensor for particularly demanding applications, and the sensor format can be customised.
Close- tolerance versions (+/-20%) and high-linearity versions (+/-1%) can be supplied, as can an extended life version specified at 500,000 mechanical cycle lifetime.
Almost any aspect of the electrical or mechanical performance of the N-15 can be tailored to a specific application, as a custom option; for example special resistance values or track resistance profiles; or mechanical features such as detents or a switch can be added. Request a free brochure from Piher International ...
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