Potentiometer-based sensors offer exceptional price versus performance

Novotechnik now offers design improvements for one of its oldest and most produced linear potentiometer position sensors, the LWH series. Available from Variohm EuroSensor, the new LWH incorporates material and component refinements that optimise the sensor’s compliance with its IP55 protection class but retains form-fit compatibility with the previous model. The new design uses the same thoroughly well-proven conductive plastic track and elastomer-damped, precious metal multi-finger wiper system that the company have deployed in over 100 million position measurement tasks for the automotive industry alone. The range is available in twenty standard measurement lengths from 75 to 900mm and provides a positioning resolution of 10 microns and linearity of 0.04% for the longest travel model.

The non-comprising, highly durable and long-life characteristics of potentiometer-based linear sensors and their signal processing simplicity make them an effective choice for new applications with comparable speed, accuracy, linearity, hysteresis, resolution, and temperature range would entail significantly higher costs and installation challenges for alternative technology sensors.

The distinct visual differences from the old to the new design are the removal of the guide groove at the base of the housing and a four-fold screw connection for the bearing flange, substituting the old two-fold screw connection. It has thoroughly tested the new design against the old LWH for sealing protection and working life and electrical and mechanical performance evaluation. The new model keeps mounting grooves on all four sides of the approximately 32mm square anodised aluminium housing - enabling installation in any orientation with snap-on clamps included in the scope of supply. The LWH also benefits from a pivoting front bearing that overcomes ‘stick slip’ even where angular or out-of-parallel misalignment is present. With a working temperature range from -30C to +100C and a highly durable shock and vibration rating, the new series boasts a maximum operating speed of up to 10m/sec and an impressive working life to 100 million strokes.