Building on its next-generation Temposonics® design platform, the new R-Series analog sensor from MTS provides enhanced sensing performance along with extended functionality and programmability. As one of the industry’s most sophisticated and versatile analog sensors, the R-Series includes fully programmable dual channel outputs for simultaneous position and velocity, or dual magnet position, all within the same compact sensor envelope. With a variety of housing and mounting options, the R-Series analog sensor is ideal for industrial applications, especially harsh environments where EMI, shock and vibration are factors.“The extended functionality of the new R-Series analog sensor makes it one of the most versatile linear position sensors on the market,” said Dave Edeal, Temposonics industrial marketing manager for MTS. “The programmable dual-channel outputs will enable customers to use accurate and rugged magnetostrictive sensing technology in ways that can both improve servosystem performance, and reduce per axis sensor costs.”Dual-Magnet Position OptionThe R-Series analog sensor can produce outputs for two independent magnet marker positions simultaneously with a dual-channel electronic design. This capability, only available using Tempsonics magnetostrictive sensors, enables the user to measure two parallel or relative motion axes with a single sensor. The dual-magnet feature is especially helpful when replacing legacy designs with multiple discrete or linear position sensors, such as those found in injection molding machines, multi-platen presses, and mill roller applications. For systems requiring more than two position outputs (up to 15 simultaneously), Temposonics R-Series fieldbus sensors with Profibus DP or CANbus interfaces may be used as an alternative.Position and Velocity CapabilitiesThe R-Series analog sensor is also capable of simultaneous measurement of a single magnet marker’s position and velocity. The speed range has been expanded from 25mm/s to 10m/s (1-400in), while the speed sensing resolution has been reduced to 0.1mm/s (0.004 in/sec). The R-Series can be factory- or field-configured to provide either the rate of motion magnitude only (speed) or the magnitude and direction (velocity), depending on the application requirements. Using a combination of the dual-magnet and speed capabilities, the sensor can also produce simultaneous speed outputs for two magnets. The position plus speed output options are ideal in servohydraulic applications, such as flight simulators and entertainment platforms, where the speed channel is used to extend the system bandwidth for maximum fidelity. The high resolution speed sensing option also works well in extremely slow-moving applications, like metal extruders, where the low speed precision ensures the quality of the part.Field Adjustability and Visual DiagnosticsThe R-Series analog sensor comes with three options for field programming that greatly simplify the task of programming the wide range of dual-channel options. The handheld programmer is simple and economical and allows the user to establish the polarity, zero and span set points. The DIN Rail-Mounted Programmer can be mounted permanently inside the control panel to provide programming or pass-through sensor functions via a program or run switch. The PC-Based Programmer is used to set and monitor all the parameters of the sensor including polarity, zero, span, and any corresponding output settings, and can also program the dual magnet or speed and direction set points.In addition, the new sensor incorporates visual diagnostic LEDs, to minimize troubleshooting effort and downtime that might otherwise be associated with the sensor. For example, red and green LEDs indicate normal operation, magnet not detected, or magnet out of allowable sensing range.
