Angle Sensor

Angle sensors determine an object’s relative position measured from an established reference point. Also known as rotary sensors, they can also be used to detect the presence or absence of an object.

Types of angle sensors

Angle sensors can be categorised according to;

  • Supply voltage
  • Supply current
  • Output type
  • Sensing range – the displacement between the face of the sensor and the approaching measurement object that triggers a signal change in the sensor.
  • Operating temperature

Inductive angle sensors

An inductive angle sensor uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to measure objects.

They are excellent solutions for high-reliability and safety-critical medical and industrial position sensor applications, such as in surgical robotics, radiographic scanners (where there is a requirement of sensors to operate and withstand high levels of ionizing radiation), endoscopic manipulators, and also industrial applications such as subsea robotics and UAVs.

Zettlex IncOders are non-contact inductive angle sensors that provide absolute position. They utilize a unique inductive position sensing technology and comprise two main components – a Target and an Antenna. The Antenna is powered and the Target is passive. An electrical output from the Antenna shows the rotary position of the Target relative to the Antenna. This enables high reliability position measurement in extreme environments.

Standard IncOders are rated -40 or 85°C operation and with a cold option (Product Options 12VCT & 24VCT) for -60°C operation.

Bearingless angle sensing

Zettlex IncOders are bearingless angle sensors. Eradication of bearings from the sensor offers a number of important technical advantages over traditional sensors such as capacitive or optical encoders, most notably no requirement for tightly toleranced bearing alignment. The lack of contacting or wearing parts means that there is no need for periodic replacement, service, or maintenance, and the mean time between failures is greatly increased. As there are no bearings, IncOders offer a low start-up torque, and there is no heat generation from friction at high speed.

Angle sensor

Fig.1. Zettlex non-contact angle sensors are bearingless – the rotor is completely free to move relative to the stator, and some axial or radial misalignment is permissible.