Sealed linear transducer for rugged industrial applications

Penny + Giles has launched a new contactless sealed linear transducer that provides reliable, fit-and-forget position sensing for rugged industrial applications. The robust SLT190 is aimed primarily at the off-highway (construction, agriculture) and utility vehicle markets and is suitable for the harsh conditions of steering position applications, lift mechanisms, and hydro-pneumatic active suspension systems. This transducer has a short body to stroke length ratio for compact dimensions making it ideal as a replacement for existing linear potentiometers whilst providing a significant cost saving over equivalent stroke inductive transducers.

The SLT190 provides a range of 14 different strokes between 25 and 500 mm. It uses proven inductive technology, with no electrical sliding contacts, and as a result, has a virtually limitless life. It provides reliable, absolute analogue position measurement with an infinite resolution.

Housed in a rugged stainless steel case with M8 stainless steel rod end bearings for simple installation, the transducer is sealed to IP67. As such, it is protected against the ingress of dust and water and suitable for use in harsh environments, and can operate reliably in temperatures between -20°C and +135°C.

The transducer is available with a choice of electronics modules, EICT or EICTM, which feature a highly stable output and fast response. The advanced electronics are EMC compliant and module EICT is supplied with a DIN rail attachment on the enclosure. Module EICTM is housed in a metal enclosure which is sealed to IP68. Both modules can be located at up to 10 metres away from the transducer in the hostile environment, and provide a standard output voltage signal of 0.5Vdc to 4.5Vdc that can be configured to match the transducer stroke, from a 10-60Vdc unregulated supply. Additional ‘plug-in’cards can be supplied to extend the range of analogue voltage outputs and also provide a 4-20mA current output or digital PWM output.