The all-rounder: Absolute Sensor MSA501

MSA501 is accurate to 30 microns for measuring lengths of over 10 meters

SIKO GmbH: The new MSA501 type sensor from the MagLine product line extends the popular product portfolio of SSI absolute sensors. The position values can be read via the absolute interface using SSI or RS485.

A new feature is the optional incremental interface (square-wave signals: A, B. /A, /B), which ensures the position is measured in real time for highly dynamic applications. The resolution of this interface can be freely selected by the user. Depending on the signal distance and the selected resolution, processing speeds up to 25 m/sec. are possible.

Furthermore, the new sensor doesn't just guarantee that longer measurement ranges up to 10,240 mm can be read, but it also shines with a higher absolute accuracy of 30 microns at a reading distance to a maximum of 1.3 mm.

It is not only the tried and tested applications that can be measured with these features, including applications in medical technology (such as the procedure for patient positioning in tomography), but also fields of application, such as in highly dynamic applications in the field of drive technology, i.e. measuring the position of linear motors, or in the timber industry, such as in large timber processing centres (e.g. trimming machine), where position values can be measured and transmitted reliably and accurately.

Simple installation and operation of the sensor: The MSA501 has a large band gap/sensor distance of 1.3 mm, which greatly simplifies the installation of the system over long measuring distances. The status LED built into all MSA501 sensors by default reliably notifies you if band gaps/sensor distances are too large both during assembly and when operating. If the permitted band gap/sensor distance is exceeded during operation, this is not just indicated by flashing a red LED directly on the sensor, but also by a corresponding notification on the master controller. The user is also unfailingly alerted if the processing speed is exceeded and in the event of implausible absolute values, by the LED flashing and the corresponding fault notification.

Despite the "added value" of the MSA501 compared with earlier sensors, it was still possible to achieve a small and compact sensor design. The sensor can be used in the temperature range of -30...+85°C and air humidity up to 100% RH.

Features

• Interfaces: SSI or RS485, optionally LD
• Measuring length: up to 10.24 m
• Absolute accuracy: +/- 30 µm
• SSI Resolution: 5 or 10 µm
• LD Resolution: max. 1 µm
• LED: as diagnostic function
• Read distance: max. 1.3 mm