Z-Series Magnetic Marker Types for Angle Sensor Applications

Novotechnik, U.S. introduces a selection of four magnetic marker types designed to suit various mounting applications for their RFC— and RFD— Series of touchless rotary angle sensors that provide absolute, rotary position.

These two sensor families utilize a magnetic pickup to provide a touchless measurement range of 0 to 360° and makes measurements through air and non-magnetic materials.

The first type of Z-Series of magnetic pickup is incorporated into an M8 machine bolt and can be directly screwed into a rotating component or secured by mounting nut. The second type is donut shaped and radially mounts to a cylindrical shaft which it slides over using a threaded set screw. An axial mounting magnet is secured in the center of two mounting holes and is mounted on a shaft with seven different size markers available for dimensional flexibility and to optimize detection for different applications. The fourth type has two magnet options. One mounting surface measuring 4 x 8 mm and the other 4.5 x 14 mm—both are designed to be glued directly to the applications rotating part.

All four types of Z-Series magnetic sensor markers operate by ideally being centered over the RFC— or RDF—Series measuring sensor with varying offsets and separation allowance specifications depending on the magnetic marker type and sensor selected. Novotechnik has a data sheet detailing the different configurations possible and a white paper primer on touchless rotary sensors and measurement available on their website.

Magnetic Position Measurement
(Hall-Effect) Explained

When a current flows through a Hall element it provides a voltage across the current flow if a magnetic field acts perpendicular to both. Since this voltage is proportional to the magnetic field strength, a non-contact and absolute angle or displacement measurement can be easily achieved by attaching a position magnet to the moving machine part of the application. The system is insensitive to aging and independent of field strength fluctuations of the magnets.

Both shafted and touchless two-part systems enable single-turn angle measurement up to 360°. High resolution with great dynamic response, large mechanical tolerances and feasibility of customer-specific output options are added benefits of this wear free technology.