Position Transducer Solution Guide, Coated Versus Uncoated Cable

Position Measurement & Control - Issue 30

POSITION TRANSDUCER SOLUTION GUIDE

Full-Color, 8-Page Technical Reference

The new Position Transducers Solution Guide is now available for online viewing or hardcopy shipment. The full-color, 8-pageSolution Guide contains:

• technology overview
• application ideas
• product reference table
• unique features review
• technical resource reference

Figure A1 - Position Transducers Solution Guide

To obtain the Position Transducers Solution Guide:

• request hardcopy shipment
• view it online(pdf file)

COATED VERSUS UNCOATED STAINLESS STEEL DISPLACEMENT CABLE

What Are the Tradeoffs?

Generally, Firstmark Controls position transducers use uncoated stainless steel displacement cable. Using uncoated cable allows for operation at temperature ranges of -85° to +257° C (-65° to +125° C) and beyond. In addition, uncoated cable does not crack nor split and has a 50% better outer diameter tolerance. Finally, crimped connectors on uncoated cable are stronger than crimped connectors on coated cable. Crimped connectors on coated cable result in an approximate 35% loss of strength.

That does not mean coated cable does not have its place. Position transducer applications with limited operating temperature ranges, limited strength requirements, and modest hazards may benefit from the coated cable's ability to seal out dirt and grit and its improved ease of cleaning.

If you have questions on which type of displacement cable is best suited for your application, contact us.

Figure B1 - Uncoated cable (top) generally has superior characteristics relative to coated cable (bottom) in many position transducer applications.

ANALOG POSITION TRANSDUCER OFFER

Get a Stainless Steel Ruler for Referring a Colleague

There are times when the age-old ruler is the only position transducer required for the job. If you refer a colleague to us, we will provide you with a high-quality, stainless steel ruler complete with metric and Imperial markings, depth marker, and conversion table. If you know a colleague who may have a requirement for position transducers, please submit the form below and we will mail you a ruler promptly.

There is some fine print and here it is:

• one ruler per person
• all fields on this form must be completed
• referral phone number and e-mail address must be valid
• referrals must have a possible future requirement for sensor and data acquisition products
• this offer is subject to cancellation at any time without prior notice

NEWS YOU CAN USE

We are designing position transducers with 4-20 mA and related current output capabilities. We are looking for feedback on what features are important to you as well as searching for beta testers with 4-20 mA output requirements. Key specifications we would like your input on include:

• input voltage range
• 2-, 3-, or 4-wire output
• environmental protection
• zero/span adjustability
• operating temperature range
• electrical connection type
• degree of intrinsic safety provided

To participate in this research, send us an e-mail message with your name and phone number to 4-20ma@Firstmarkcontrols.com.

• Position Transducer Mounting
• Displacement Cable Stretch
• Company Birthday
• 99.9% On-Time Shipping, One-Week or Less Lead Time
• Poll Update: What displacement sensor feature is most important to you?

ISSN 1527-5108 • Document Number S050P(030813)