Displacement Sensor Types Displacement sensors are another term used to describe position sensors. Our displacement sensor types can be seen on our website. Our range includes linear position sensors, rotary position sensors and a range of various technologies. Different displacement sensor types are used to suit different applications, for example, a small compact potentiometer would suit applications measuring foot pedal displacement whereas a larger heavy duty cable extension transducer would suit a longer-range application such as hydraulic boom extension on mobile equipment. What Is A Displacement Sensor? A displacement sensor is an electronic device used to determine position or movement in position from an initial reference point. A displacement sensor will monitor an input signal and then give an output based on the input information. The output will be used within a larger control system. A displacement sensor can measure movement which is rotary or linear and sometimes can measure distance, shape, thickness, and perimeter. Displacement Sensor Types from Variohm At Variohm, we have a wide range of displacement sensors, some of these are: Linear Displacement Sensors Linear displacement sensors can use either contacting or non-contacting technologies. They measure movement in a linear motion along a single axis. We supply linear displacement sensors for a wide range of arduous applications in a wide range of industries. Our range of linear displacement sensors includes both products from our own range as well as products from our supply partners of leading sensor manufacturers. We can provide the following linear displacement sensor types; Potentiometers Inductive sensors Magnetostrictive LVDTs Take a look at all of our linear displacement sensors and non-contacting linear displacement sensors. Rotary Displacement Sensors Rotary Displacement Sensors are used to monitor and measure movement in a rotary fashion. This can be either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Some rotary displacement sensors can measure “multi-turn” displacement which is where the rotation exceeds 360°. There are many different types of technology used for rotary displacement sensors, some of these are similar to linear displacement sensors. The options we have available include; Potentiometer Hall Effect Optical PIPs RVDT We have our own range of rotary displacement sensors that use Hall effect technology. Take a look at the Euro-XP range here. Encoders Encoders are one of our rotary displacement sensor types. They are available as absolute or incremental; this refers to how they measure the rotary displacement. An absolute encoder can give measurements of rotary displacement from a starting point onwards regardless of power being cut to the device. Incremental encoders can measure the difference in displacement from one set point to another and if the power is cut a new reading with a new reference point will begin. Encoders measure angles and are used in applications in robotics, machine buildings, the food industry, and many other areas. Cable Extension Transducers Cable extension transducers are a type of linear displacement sensor, they can also be referred to as “string pots” or “draw-wire sensors”. They use a stainless-steel cable to measure linear position which makes them well suited to long-range position applications as they have a greater range to size ratio than other typical rod actuated sensors. Our cable extension transducers come from our supplier TE Connectivity and can be split into the following types; Miniature Series – MTA, MT2A, MT3A Series Compact Cable Extension Transducers – SM, SP, SG, SR series Industrial Cable Extension Transducer – PT1, PT5, SK series Heavy Duty Extension Transducers – PT8000, PT9000, PT9000 Extended, series. Membrane Potentiometers Membrane potentiometers can measure linear or rotary displacement in an element that is just 0.5mm in height. Membrane potentiometers are a popular choice for OEMs as they create a form factor to allow the feedback position sensing to be inserted right next to the device as it moves. Other Displacement Sensor Types We have a wide range of displacement sensor types on our website – take a look at the following pages; Linear Position Sensors Non-contacting Linear Position Sensors In-cylinder Linear Position Sensors Cable Extension Transducers Rotary Position Sensors Non-contacting Rotary Position Sensors Absolute Encoders Incremental Encoders Speed Sensors Magnetic Proximity Sensors Membrane Potentiometers Lift Measuring Systems Signal Conditioners Inclinometers If you would like any further information on different types of displacement sensors, please contact us. Article published on: 17/05/2021 Article last updated on: 17/05/2021