Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
EtherNet/IP™
Operation Manual
I 8 I
4. Product description and commissioning
4.1 Functionality and system design
Product designation
• Position sensor Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
Sensor model
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RP (profile sensor)
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RH (rod sensor)
Stroke length
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RP 25…6350 mm (1…250 in.)
• Temposonics
®
R-Series
V
RH 25…7620 mm (1…300 in.)
Output signal
• EtherNet/IP™
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
technology, which can determine position with a high level of precision
and robustness. Each Temposonics
®
position sensor consists of a
ferromagnetic waveguide, a position magnet, a strain pulse converter
and supporting electronics. The magnet, connected to the object in
motion in the application, 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
waveguide 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-based magnetostrictive position sensing principle
Modular mechanical and electronic construction
• The sensor rod or profile protects the inner sensor element.
• The sensor electronics housing, a rugged aluminum construction,
contains the complete electronic interface with active signal
conditioning. Double shielding ensures high safety of operation and
optimum EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility).
• The external position magnet is a permanent magnet. Mounted on
the mobile machine part, it travels along the sensor rod or profile
and triggers the measurement through the sensor 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
