How Position Transducers Are Used As Sensory Mechanism To Send Signals?

By Author: Control Products
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Position transducers are available in different configurations and models. Each type has a unique name that is derived mainly from its function. Inductive sensors are used for gathering information from magnetic fields that are created by the coils within an element or electrical device.

Position transducers are electronic devices that are most commonly used as sensory mechanisms in machinery. They send signals to the machine indicating how they should function depending on the readings. They are most commonly used in machinery that uses an automated process. They are available in various types and configurations that are designed for different uses.

How they work
Transducers work by converting mechanical motion into an electrical signal, which can be transmitted, recorded or metered. Some models are made of a stainless steel displacement cable that is wound on a threaded drum and connected directly to sensor. Ideally the sensor should be mounted in a fixed position and the extension cable will be directly attached to the moving object. The moving object and extension cable's axes of movement are aligned ...
... to one another. During movement the displacement cable extracts and retracts. The displacement cable tension is maintained by an internally engineered spring. The threaded drum causes the sensor to rotate which produces an electrical output that is proportional to the travel of the displacement cable. The measurement of the output is done to reflect the moving object's rate of motion, direction and position.

How they are used
Transducers are used in various velocity, displacement and position measurement applications to:

- indicate events
- monitor relative motion
- indicate levels
- measure distance travelled
- continually sense relative position or location
- act as a generator of signals for the recording of the position versus cycle rate.

There is a position transducer that will fit within your specific requirements. Each of these transducers has a unique name that is derived mainly from its function. For example, encoders are used in applications that use encoded information, which is gathered and turned into voltage or a power signal. These are mostly used in non-contact applications. This means that they use a digital diode, which gathers information allowing the transducer to create an output signal every time the diode is engaged.

Inductive sensors are another common non-contact sensor. They are used for gathering information from magnetic fields that are created by the coil within an element or electrical device. If the coil has a power signal or voltage that is applied to it, the magnetic field is generated. Every time the device comes in to close proximity of a conductive material, the inductive sensor will monitor changes in the field’s force that the coil generates.

Most of the position transducers and sensors in the market today are mainly used in fluid power applications. They help monitor the displacement amount within the fluid-powered mechanism. Typically, inductive sensors are used in circuits of large transformers because the coils that create the magnetic fields in most cases occur independently from the outside element. In that case, the transducer works to allow compensation by the circuit for change in the magnetic field that is generated.

Whichever transducer you choose, make sure that you purchase it from a reputable manufacturer. This helps insure strong product quality and customer support through the entire process.

Author of this article is associated with Control Products Inc. that deals in products such as thermal switches, waterproof switches, linear position sensors and more.