Safety First – Selecting the Right Position Sensors for Safety-Related Motion Control

POSITAL has introduced an inexpensive and flexible alternative for safety-critical motion control systems. When combined with functional safety PLCs, these devices are suitable for applications that are required to conform to Performance Level/ PL d, Cat. 3, according to ISO 13849.

Potentiometers That Make Sense for Sensing

Despite their perceived simplicity, potentiometers can still be an appropriate option in today’s ever-complicated automation industry. Fundamentally a variable resistor, modern potentiometers also offer more traditional outputs such as voltage and current which are common to more expensive sensors.

Chips, Chips & Chips

What semiconductors, snacking and gambling all have in common: Encoders!

There has been a lot of talk lately around the global ‘chip’ shortage. Even social media last month was filled with cartoons of engineers asking Santa for semiconductors for Christmas. Rotary encoders such as the DS-130 by Netzer Precision are an important part of this ‘chip’ production. Accuracies exceeding 0.004 degrees, 21 bit resolution and a 90mm ID ensure that component placement can be done accurately and consistently.

TMR: A New Revolution in Magnetic Rotary Encoders

Abstract: Tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensing is an exciting new chapter for magnetic-based rotary encoders. Requiring less current, while offering higher signal strength, many of the inherent short comings of Hall Effect based sensors can be addressed.