This week: Contact-less recognition of rotational movements

There are different technologies on the market to solve this task. One innovative approach comes from Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH with the inductive position coding system PCI. While the sensor is mounted on the inner side of the bearing or the gear rim it detects small metal targets which are mounted at different distances on the circumpherence. The inductive detection works with a reasonable distance of 5 mm which gives room for movement without loss of precision. Dirt, oil or humidity do not affect the sensor nor do magnetic fields since it uses an inductive working principle. The absolute position will be determined with a constant precision of 1 mm independent from the circumpherence. The position value is immediately available after activating the sensor. The device fulfills protection grade IP 67 and works within a broad temperature range without wear and tear.