Linear inductive displacement sensors

The VIP series of linear inductive displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon uses a measuring ring and integral electronics. There is no mechanical contact between the measuring element (ring) and the sensor rod. The sensor therefore operates without any wear and no maintenance is required.

In a non-contacting process a measuring system interprets the physical relationship of the rod-shaped sensor housing to the aluminium measuring ring. The ring is attached to the object to be measured by means of an editing block.

The sensor rod contains a segmented coil that is supplied with alternating current. The alternating electromagnetic field that is generated this way induces eddy currents in the aluminium ring, which in turn influence the coil sections. The voltage drops of the segments are picked up and added in an amplifier. The VIP series of linear inductive displacement sensors work like differential sensors — the sensor has a stable zero point in the middle of the measuring range and the linear output signal of this displacement transducer is proportional to the position of the measuring ring.

The sensors are comparable with conventional potentiometers, but they operate without a wiper.

They have measuring ranges up to 150 mm and linearity of ±0.2% FSO. Resolution is \<0.03% of FSO and the sensor can operate in temperatures of -40 to 85 °C. A power supply of 18-30 VDC is required and an output of 4–20 mA is provided.