4-20 mA / 0-5 VDC / ±10 VDC and More, Unfair Advantage

Position Measurement & Control - Issue 34

PRODUCT FOCUS

4-20 mA / 0-5 VDC / ±10 VDC / More

Miniature Draw Wire Transducer with FlexSignalTM Outputs Now Available

Figure A1 - Series 6 draw wire transducer with optional integrated signal conditioning.

The Series 6 line of miniature draw wire transducers with FlexSignal^TM electrical outputs is now shipping, meeting the diverse range of signal types required by industrial control, OEM, and factory automation users. With the ability to monitor up to 85 inches (2160 mm) of displacement and designed for NEMA 4X / IP 66 environments, the Series 6 draw wire transducers offer a choice of:

• 4-20 mA (current loop)
• low-level bridge (strain gage)
• voltage conditioner (0-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, ±5 VDC, ±10 VDC, and many more)
• standard- and high-resolution digital (quadrature)
• voltage divider

Users can save space, time, and money by using the integrated signal conditioning. The signal conditioner is located in the miniature transducer and eliminates wiring to specialized and expensive signal conditioning modules. The bridge, voltage conditioner, and 4-20 mA options cost less than 50% of standalone signal conditioning modules.

The voltage conditioner output is particularly flexible by allowing for 12 to 40 VDC input and providing user-settable outputs such as 0-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, ±5 VDC, ±10 VDC, and many more. In addition, reverse polarity protection is provided along with a choice of increasing or decreasing signal output.

85-Inch (2159-mm) Maximum Travel (Model 62) Choice of FlexSignalTM Analog and Digital Output Signals (Factory Set) Voltage Divider Low-Level Bridge (B Circuit / Strain Gage Compatible) Voltage Conditioner Flexible User Adjustable Zero and Span Controls Unipolar and Bipolar Outputs 0-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, ±5 VDC, ±10 VDC, and more 4-20 mA (Current Loop) Quadrature (Standard- and High-Resolution Digital) AccuTrakTM Threaded Drum For Enhanced Repeatability DirectConnectTM Sensor-To-Drum Technology = Zero Backlash, No Torsion Springs or Clutches NEMA 4 / IP 66 Environmental Protection Flexible Mounting Bases Industrial Operating Temperature Ranges

Figure A2 - Key Series 6 Features.

For more information:

• News Release
• Data Sheet
• Price Request

CUSTOMER FOCUS

DARPA Grand Challenge Teams Gain Unfair Advantage

Numerous Teams Use Firstmark Controls Position Transducers

On 13 March 2004, the Grand Challenge will take place which is a race of autonomous ground vehicles between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. A cash award of $1 million will be granted to the team that fields the first vehicle to complete the designated route within a specified time limit.

Numerous Grand Challenge competitors will be using Firstmark Controls position transducers in a variety of roles ranging from suspension monitoring to steering and throttle control to stability feedback. To date, these teams have not been disqualified for obtaining an unfair advantage over the rest of the field.

To learn more about viewing the Grand Challenge, visit http://www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/spectators.htm.

APPLICATION CORNER

Using A Calculator Is Not Cheating

In school, teachers may have told you that using a calculator is cheating. This is not the case for Firstmark Controls position transducers. You may find the calculators below to be of benefit during your position transducer specification, use, and calibration activities.

• Thermal Effect - calculates the effect of a change in temperature has on accuracy • Imperial • Metric
• Sinusoidal Motion - shows the mathematical relationship between frequency, displacement, velocity, and acceleration for sinusoidal motion
• Displacement Cable Sag (Catenary Curve) - calculates how displacement cable sag affects accuracy • Imperial • Metric
• Displacement Cable Stretch - calculates the elastic stretch in displacement cable
• Position Transducer Linearity (Calibration) - displays the deviation from a straightline ("perfection") of the position transducer's electrical output versus its mechanical position
• Sensor Total Cost of Ownership - computes the lifetime cost of a sensor or transducer purchase
• Cable (String) Fundamental Frequency - provides the fundamental frequency of a cable (string) under tension • Imperial • Metric

You may also want to bookmark the main Calculators page for future reference: calcmain.htm.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• 737-800 Flight Simulator Feedback Sensing
• Displacement Sensors Measure Mars Exploration Rover Airbag Performance
• Adapting Displacement Sensors to Harsh Environments
• Latest Poll: What lifetime requirement do you have for your displacement sensors?

ISSN 1527-5108 • Document Number S050T(040224)