Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
SSI
Operation Manual
I 10 I
4. Product description
4.1 Functionality and system design
Product designation
• Position sensor Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
Sensor model
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RP5 (profile sensor)
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RH5 (rod sensor)
Stroke length
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RP5: 25…6350 mm (1…250 in.)
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RH5: 25…7620 mm (1…300 in.)
Output signal
• SSI
Application
The Temposonics
®
position sensors are used for measurement and
conversion of the length (position) variable in the fields of automated
systems and mechanical engineering.
Principle of operation and system construction
The absolute, linear position sensors provided by MTS Sensors rely
on the company’s proprietary Temposonics
®
magnetostrictive technol-
ogy, which can determine position with a high level of precision and
robustness.
Each Temposonics
®
position sensor consists of a ferromagnetic wave-
guide, a position magnet, a strain pulse converter and supporting elec-
tronics. The magnet, connected to the object in motion in the appli-
cation, generates a magnetic field at its location on the waveguide. A
short current pulse is applied to the waveguide.
This creates a momentary radial magnetic field and torsional strain
on the waveguide. The momentary interaction of the magnetic fields
releases a torsional strain pulse that propagates the length of the
waveguide. When the ultrasonic wave reaches the end of the wave-
guide it is converted into an electrical signal. Since the speed of the
ultrasonic wave in the waveguide is precisely known, the time required
to receive the return signal can be converted into a linear position
measurement with both high accuracy and repeatability.
Fig. 2: Time-of-flight based magnetostrictive position sensing principle
Modular mechanical and electronic construction
• The sensor profile or rod protects the inner sensor element.
• The sensor electronics housing, a rugged aluminum construction,
contains the complete electronic interface with active signal
conditioning.
• The external position magnet is a permanent magnet. Mounted on
the mobile machine part, it travels along the sensor profile or rod
and triggers the measurement through the sensor profile/rod wall.
• The sensor can be connected directly to a control system.
Its electronics generates a strictly position-proportional signal
output between start and end position.
5
3
1
Measurement cycle
1
Current pulse generates magnetic fi eld
2
Interaction with position magnet fi eld
generates torsional strain pulse
3
Torsional strain pulse propagates
4
Strain pulse detected by converter
5
Time-of-fl ight converted into position
Sensing element (waveguide)
Position magnet (magnetic fi eld)
Torsional strain pulse converter
2
4
