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

Sensor Technology has set new benchmark performance standards for optical rotary torque transducers. The digital ORT 230/240 series is excellent for applications requiring low torque and/or high bandwidth. It provides precise, dynamic measurement of rotary and static torque from 10mNm up to 100Nm and bandwidths up to 50kHz.

The series of devices benefit from electronics that provide significant gains in resolution and frequency response, reduced sensor current consumption, and faster digital data throughput.

The high-speed capability comes from an inherently low inertia since the electronics are not fixed to the shaft. Non-contact operation ensures 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 supply 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 the other for either speed, power or peak torque – plus 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 the transducer configuration software allows users to make changes to transducer variables.

These devices feature self-diagnostics that report if the transducer’s torque, speed ratings, or calibration date have been exceeded. Inbuilt sensors monitor shaft temperature for better compensation and accuracy. The device also offers a simple ‘sensor status’ output.

Complementing these products is the company’s TorqView software, which provides an easy-to-use advanced torque monitoring package for Windows PCs to assist with data display and recording. It offers real-time chart plotting and is compatible with both Matlab and Excel. Further, LabVIEW VIs are available for users to design their own process control applications, and DLLs are available for users who wish to write their own custom software.