A provider of motion control products, Micronor has introduced an absolute fiber-optic position sensor that is ideal for long distance position sensing purposes.
The MR330 position sensor provides an all-optical design that makes it resistant to electro-magnetic interference such as magnetic fields, radiation, and lightning. It is also not affected by ground loop issues.
The position sensor evaluates the absolute angular position over 0 to 360º at speeds of over 2500 rpm with a 13-bit resolution. The device also tracks multiple turns to 12-bits. The sensor uses the latest optical technique, which is embedded in an active controller and a passive sensor that is coupled by a duplex fiber optic link. The controller sends out light rays to the code disk present in the sensor. The passive sensor modulates the light beam’s spectral components based on the angular position. Information about the position is embossed in the light’s optical spectrum and is directed back to the controller for accurate position readout.
The accuracy and the EMI immunity of the position sensor make it suitable for applications needing accurate position measurement and motion control such as medical instrumentation, steel mills, transportation systems, actuator systems, solar panel arrays, satellite antennas, and oil rigs. The sensor also meets ATEX needs for utilization in mines and explosive environments. Immunity to lighting also makes the device ideal for antennas and wind turbines.