Optical rotary torque sensors ideal for low torque and high bandwidth measurements

Sensor Technology launched the digital ORT 230/240 series. These new optical rotary torque sensors are excellent for applications when the demand is for low torque and/or high bandwidth, giving precise, dynamic measurement of rotary and static torque of less than 100Nm and for bandwidths of up to 50kHz.

The new devices replace the company’s E200 ORT series, benefiting from all-new electronics delivering notable gains in frequency response, resolution, reduced sensor current consumption and faster digital data throughput.

The high-speed capability comes from inherently low inertia since the electronics are not fixed to the shaft, while non-contact operation provides a long and reliable life (backed up by the company’s lifetime warranty) with high accuracy. The optical operating principle also ensures excellent noise immunity.

TorqSense ORT 230 series sensors give fixed voltage or current analogue outputs – one for torque and one for either speed or power. The TorqSense ORT 240 provides two user-selectable voltage or current analogue outputs – one for torque and for either speed, power or peak torque – as well as digital outputs including RS232, CANbus and USB for interfacing with modern instrumentation and laptops. The ORT 240 allows users to connect up to ten transducers via USB, and transducer configuration software for producing changes to transducer variables.

Complementing these products is the company's TorqView software, giving an easy-to-use advanced torque monitoring package for Windows PCs to aid with data display and recording. It provides real-time chart plotting and is compatible with both Matlab and Excel. Further, the software is offered to users for designing their own process control applications, and DLLs are provided for users who want to write their own custom software.

These latest optical rotary torque sensors are an essential extension to the company's torque monitoring range and give an alternative solution when low torque or bandwidth demands preclude the application of the more cost-efficient SAW-based TorqSense products.