Techy Tomas

All you need to know about industry tech

[techytomas]

What Does an Analog Hall Effect Sensor Do

You might think that an analog hall effect sensor is the switch that automatically turns on the lights once you enter a space, but that is not what this transducer does. Rather, this delicate feat of engineering has numerous applications in modern society. Here is how it works and what it does.

This transducer senses a magnetic field and then adjusts its voltage output in response to that field. As such it is used in current sensing applications, proximity switching, positioning and speed detection. For example, in network applications, an analog hall effect sensor is used in your printer or on specialized computer keyboards. The sensor can determine that your printer’s paper is out. It can also let you know if there are machine covers open. In its specialized keyboard application, it increases the board’s sensitivity to ensure that it is reliable in what its returning when you type.

In automobile applications, these sensors work with everything from your anti-lock braking systems to your tachometer. By detecting the magnetic field output of your car’s components, the sensor can make adjustments that could potentially save you a ton of roadside trouble and even your life. Alongside helping your car’s ignition timing in its internal combustion engine, you know when your idiot light comes on to tell you’re about to run out of fuel. That’s the sensor’s reaction to the fuel tank floater’s level. Without it, you might find yourself stalled roadside waiting for a gallon of gas.

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand how an effect sensor works when you take into account how they help you every day. The amazing technology behind these units is used in many of the equipment you use at work and the vehicle you drive to get to work. What does an analog hall effect sensor do? It makes your life much easier.

[techytomas]

Types of Magnetic Sensors

If you’re searching for magnetic sensors, the odds are you’ve already discovered that there are several types to choose from. For those who are unsure what exactly they’re looking for, this can cause some serious issues with the selection process. Each sensor is built differently, making it perfect for accomplishing specific tasks. Therefore, knowing what each does is the key to ensuring you’re achieving the desired results on your next project. Take a look at some of the more popular options available on the market:

Single Channel Gear Tooth Sensor These magnetic sensors are used to measure speed, and changes with the speed being measured. It detects gear teeth, and has one digital pulse per tooth. These parts are typically DC powered and offer both NPN and PNP output options for those who require them.

Angle Position Sensor These are analog sensor systems, programmed for just the precision you need to get your project done right the first time. Oftentimes these parts are created with distance options, and are also sometimes completely customizable, depending on the supplier of the sensor in question.

Speed Sensor These are, of course, used to detect changes in speed which might occur during your project. While this sensor can help accomplish a wide variety of tasks, its function is fairly simple. It has several modes of detection for either rotational or linear targets, making it as diverse as it needs to be in order to help you get the job done.

Magnetic sensors can seem rather complicated to the uninitiated, but by doing a little research anyone can find the perfect part for the job at hand. Speaking to a professional who specializes in these parts can ensure that you have top-quality sensors of all kinds to ensure your project is completely covered and that you can get the job done right the first time, without having to worry about specs when it’s too late.

[techytomas]

Keep Your Company Running With Top Quality Sensors

Whether you work in construction, manufacturing or quality control, the ability to accurately gauge the function of machinery is likely an integral part of your job. It is an important aspect of nearly every industry, in fact. If a process is flawed, it can completely disrupt the workflow and result in lost time and resources.  That is why companies rely on top quality sensors such as those found at Sensor Solutions. If you are working with tools that include ferrous metal components, you will need a gear tooth sensor to manage those parts and ensure they continue working properly.

When you are shopping for a sensor, there are several criteria to keep in mind. The materials that compose the unit are important. Steel is the most desirable since it is generally the most durable, but other materials are acceptable so long as they are replaced as necessary. You must also consider what frequency you will require your sensor to work at. Gear tooth sensors tend to work at higher frequencies than some other types of sensors, but you should always check to make sure that the unit you select has the capacity to take accurate measurements for the purposes you intend.

Once you have found the right sensor, you need to be sure that you install it correctly so that it achieves maximum accuracy. Position the unit as closely to the gear as possible. This way the signal is in close proximity to the movement or the gears, and it can accurately sense the machinery’s functions. Purchasing your gear tooth sensor from Sensor Solutions ensure that you will receive a top quality product. All products are built to order and you can browse a huge selection of products to find the right one for your needs. The next time you are in need of a new sensor, do your research and get your unit from a trusted professional source.

[techytomas]

Hall Effect Sensors are Programmable

If you are looking for hall effect sensors, you will find that there are many different versions available. When installing them, you will need to decide which pole you want to trigger them. Then you can decide which one you want, as far as sensitivity. The sensors will detect a nearby magnet, and you will find that some are more sensitive than others and that certain ones require a very strong magnetic field in order to operate. There are ones that detect the south pole and others that detect either one of the magnetic poles. The measurement of sensitivity is in Gauss, and a magnet's trigger gap is based on the Gauss versus Gap curve.

Programmable versions are available for special needs or to make the variation small for part to part. You will need to decide if you want a standard S-pole or a programmable switch. There are hall switches that are precision programmable and a hall switch that is either Pole programmable. There is even a battery-operated switch that is micro-power either Pole. This one uses extremely low current, and at close gaps may triple pulse. You can also select hall effect sensors with fast vibration or slow vibration.

A dynamic speed sensor is another choice that detects nonstandard gears and 0-32 pitch gears. For continuous teeth targets or gears, this would probably be the best choice. For an extremely sensitive switch, you can select the GMR Switch that is solid state and can operate from either pole. This one has a high-speed detection of up to 50 KHz. Currently there are many choices available, so you should be able to find a sensor to fit your needs.

The initial design for the hall effect principle was to be used in the classification of samples of chemicals. Technology has evolved and better processes are available to use in various applications. Costs can vary from very inexpensive to a little more depending on the features you desire in hall effect sensors. For more information, please visit www.sensorso.com.

[techytomas]

What Vehicles Use Gear Tooth Sensors?

A Gear Tooth Sensor works by noting the change in flux density that exists in the air gap between passing ferrous gear teeth and a permanent magnet. The magnet is positioned so that the axis of magnetization is pointing towards the surface of the gear teeth as they pass in front of it. When the teeth cross the surface of the magnet, the flux naturally becomes attracted to the path of least resistance. The Gear Tooth Sensors pick up on the change in flux. The part that makes this system operable is the magnet; without the magnet, the sensor wouldn’t be able to detect the passing gear teeth. These sensors are used in a variety of vehicles, from cars and truck to trains.

An important component in anti-lock braking systems used by road vehicles, a gear tooth sensor is responsible for detecting the speed of wheel rotation. As the gears pass in front of the magnet, the sensor makes a note of the voltage cycle that occurs. This information is sent to the electrical controller unit, which looks for any significant change in deceleration. A rapid deceleration in wheel speed, noticed by the gear tooth sensors, can be a sign that the wheel is about to lock up. Because a car needs more time to stop than a wheel, the ABS system relaxes the pressure applied to the brake until it reads that the tire is decelerating again.

Rail vehicles like trains also use Gear Tooth Sensors for reading speed. The readings that the sensors take help control the train. Wheel slide control and traction control are vital for maintaining safety, and these sensors play an important part in the mechanics of detecting each. Because trains are so long and have so many different areas that need monitoring, they usually have multiple Gear Tooth Sensors in various places. The sensors on trains are often placed closer to the gears because of the harsh conditions present. Variables like a wide range of temperatures and higher speeds necessitate this closer proximity to the gear tooth sensor.

[techytomas]

When choosing speed sensors, there are several factors to consider. These include the preferences of the user, the application parameters, and the environmental factors that will affect the sensor. The decision can be further complicated by the fact that there is a broad range of technology at...

[techytomas]

When choosing speed sensors, there are several factors to consider. These include the preferences of the user, the application parameters, and the environmental factors that will affect the sensor. The decision can be further complicated by the fact that there is a broad range of technology at...

[techytomas]

When choosing speed sensors, there are several factors to consider. These include the preferences of the user, the application parameters, and the environmental factors that will affect the sensor. The decision can be further complicated by the fact that there is a broad range of technology at...

[techytomas]

When choosing speed sensors, there are several factors to consider. These include the preferences of the user, the application parameters, and the environmental factors that will affect the sensor. The decision can be further complicated by the fact that there is a broad range of technology at...

[techytomas]

Factors Affecting the Choice of Speed Sensors

When choosing speed sensors, there are several factors to consider. These include the preferences of the user, the application parameters, and the environmental factors that will affect the sensor. The decision can be further complicated by the fact that there is a broad range of technology at use, as well as a host of customization options. With the following information, this decision may be a little bit easier to make.

Begin by choosing the type of technology that is most appropriate for the setting. For example, magnetic speed sensors by Sensor Solutions are well-suited to a variety of settings that may not be appropriate for other technology. For the various types of speed sensors being investigated, there are a few factors to consider. Measure the ability of the sensors to withstand heavy usage, consider the precision of the measurements, record the speed at which the sensor gives output, and ponder the physical configuration of the sensor.

Another effective way to determine the best sensor for specific settings is to first choose the type of sensor (single channel gear tooth sensor or analog hall sensors, for example.) The second step is to review the characteristics of the sensor. At this point, if you are considering a single channel gear tooth sensor, then you will look at the size of the magnet in each choice. The third step is to review the various options. This will probably refer to the selection of electrical attributes. Is an NPN output preferred or is the PNP output option better suited for the application. Next, consider the housing of the sensor. Look at the size, shape, and material of the housing to determine whether it is appropriate or not. Finally, take a look at how the sensor connects to the source of electricity. There are many options to consider, such as integral connectors versus pigtail connectors, and so on.

It is best that a search for speed sensors is completed by a person with experience, so that each of the various qualifications is met before a purchase is made. This careful search for the right equipment can speed up the process of  project and ensure its accuracy.

[techytomas]

The Gear Tooth Sensor, A Reliable Solution

A gear tooth sensor, also known as a true zero speed tooth sensor, or Hall Effect gear tooth sensor, is used to detect the speed and direction or position of ferrous gears. According to MarketResearch.com, these Hall Effect sensors currently have a greater than 70% market share of the magnetic field sensor market. Demand continues to grow and sales are expected to reach $2 billion by 2016. The main drivers for the increase in demand of these Hall Effect sensors come from automotive production in newly emerging markets and the increasing popularity of their use in electronics, such as their use as a compass in smartphones.

These sensors are used in digital output applications such as ignition timing, joysticks to control hydraulic valve applications, vending machines, magnetic card key entry, and proximity detectors. They are also used in linear output applications such as in disk drives, tachometers, and vibration sensors. The devices are also useful for wheel rotation sensing, such as in antilock braking systems, for more precise electric motor control, and even in spacecraft propulsion (Hall Effect thruster).

Renewable energy initiatives are also giving a boost to the market for magnetic sensors. They are being used in wind turbines, solar panel installations and also to improve motor efficiency. As the government continues to tighten legislation in this area, their use will continue to expand. Some of the advantages of Hall Effect devices are that they can be sealed in such a way that they are impervious to dust, dirt and water. Since they have no moving parts, they can also be used reliably in extreme environments.

Colorado based sensorso.com, in business since 1993, offers a wide variety of gear tooth sensors to meet your needs, such as single channel gear tooth sensors (for detecting continuously spaced teeth and slots); ferrous target trackers sensors (for detecting ferrous metal targets spaced more than 1/2 inch apart); variable reluctance (VR) pickup (used when no power is available); quadrature (two channel) gear tooth sensors and the speed and direction gear tooth sensor.

  .

[techytomas]

Magnetic Sensors Are Reliable Electronic Parts

No matter what industry you work in or what type of equipment you use, there is likely to be a magnetic sensor whose quality and performance is the most important thing you never think about. It helps to know a bit about these amazing parts and products, as not only are they surprisingly ubiquitous, but their functions are often of critical value. It's therefore also helpful to know where to source such a sensor should you need one.

  For example, if you work in the security field or manage a secure building, your tamper-resistant door closure indication systems depend on magnetic sensors. If you drive a truck, or work on trucks, or own a business that has its own fleet, you should know that that beeping indication of a semi trailer going in reverse depends on magnetic sensors. If you work in fitness, or in a facility with a fitness center, you might at some point need to replace the magnet that senses exercise equipment speed.

  While the purposes they serve are limitless and the information they gather can be complex, the way a magnetic sensor works is fundamentally rather simple. Sensors have either an internal or external magnet. Sensors with internal magnets detect ferrous steel, whereas sensors with external magnets sense the magnetic field that exists around a magnet or electro-coil. Either type of sensor can then send the information it detects through either an analog or digital signal, depending on the instrument that receives and interprets the data.

  Whether it's the speed and direction of a conveyor belt in a manufacturing plant or the strength of the magnetic field in an MRI machine, the importance of the role magnetic sensors play cannot be understated.  Business, science, medicine, transportation, you name it, all will depend on magnetic sensors for critical information. in magnetic sensor design and manufacture.   

[techytomas]

How The Hall Effect Can Benefit Your Company

In 1879, Edwin Hall made a discovery that wouldn’t change the world for decades.  It was named the Hall Effect, and even though it was recognized as a valuable discovery, technology wouldn’t find a viable use for it for seventy years, and it is only in the last thirty years that it has truly flourished.  At that time, Hall had no way of imagining the uses to which it would be put in the future.  Today, though, your company’s applications of the Hall Effect through the use of analog hall effect sensors. Sensor Solutions uses Hall Effect technology to design and manufacture many of their sensors, including the analog hall effect sensor, which can be used in applications that need to measure speed, alignment, position, and more with finely-tuned precision. 

If your company is looking for a trusted source for custom created Hall Effect sensors, then look no further. Sensor Solutions builds their sensors to your specifications, so you can choose whether they are ratiometric or regulated, and can have them programmed for the particular applications specific to your company’s needs.  This type of sensor can resolve external magnet height or position, current amplitude as it travels down a conductor, and field magnitude in electro-coils.  Magnetic field strength increases the analog output produced.  Housing choices include plastic, aluminum, and steel, and they have many electrical and numerous connection options.  The target magnets for the sensors also come in a variety of choices, including raw, potted, or mounted into shaft collars.  The catalog and keyword search are set up to allow you the greatest flexibility in ordering, and short lead-times get your company in production quickly.

From off-road and remotely operated vehicles to medical equipment, card scanners to cranes, chairlifts to trains, the applications of Hall Effect sensors are improving design and function in the modern world. Order an analog hall effect sensor today to reap the benefits of this technology.

[techytomas]

Choosing The Best Speed Sensor

When building any kind of vehicle no matter its intended use, a vast amount of parts is needed to create the whole. No one part can be said to have the most importance, for they all work together to make the vehicle function like it should. In choosing each part, the manufacturer may find they have several options when it comes to which type they should use. Each have their own benefits and detractors. One particular small piece this is true for is the magnetic speed sensor. This piece has a few different applications and can be found in anti-lock brake systems and is of great use to rail vehicles. It is used to measure changes in wheel speed, which helps other functions of the vehicle such as traction control.

While there are a few different types of sensors that can be used, the magnetic speed sensor has a few advantages over the others. It can be embedded or potted into the building material such as plastic, which ensures greater reliability. This will also protect the magnet from inevitable wear caused by water, grease, and other incidentals from the vehicle. Other sensors that are not protected may even be triggered by the dust they accumulate. Some vehicles may use optical sensors to keep track of their wheel speed, but these involve LEDs which age with use. On the other hand, magnetic sensors have been shown to work well over long periods of time and remain accurate.

The disadvantages to a magnetic speed sensor are very few and may prove to be of no consequence. The primary of these is that the sensor can be disrupted by another magnetic field that somehow interferes. Also, though being able to withstand extreme temperatures, even these parts have their limits and can be damaged. They are also commonly more expensive. However, when considering the advantages held over the other options, it may be a small price to pay to ensure you have all the best parts.

[techytomas]

Applications for Magnetic Switches

You can find a magnetic switch in all sorts of everyday uses.  A magnetic switch consists of a small magnet, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, and a reed switch, which closes in the presence of the magnet.  The reeds are hermetically sealed within a glass tube in order to provide protection for the component to atmospheric corrosion.  This is important as the sensor, as well as the magnet, often mount away from the main circuit board, near the physical make/break connection.  Reed switches come in either normally open or normally closed configurations.  Special non-ferrous coating on the reeds ensures a low resistance value in the closed position.

Applications

Because the reed magnetic switch is a mechanical connection and not a solid-state component, the operating current is very low.  It can operate at switching currents much lower than those currents that can be handled by conventional contacts.  They can also switch at a reasonably high frequency, guarantee high reliability, and offer significant longevity.  For these reasons, the reed switch was used extensively in telephone exchanges during the 1970s and 1980s.  In this application, reed relays were sometimes manufactured with mercury-wetted reeds to increase the switching speed.  However, with mercury, the reeds had to be mounted horizontally, to prevent unexpected closure by the liquid mercury.

Another common use of the reed switch is in proximity control.  A door or window may carry the small magnet while the nearby reed sensor, mounted in the doorjamb or windowsill, detects the normally closed position.  Unauthorized entry will trigger the switch and sound an alarm.  Reed switches are also used to detect the closed position of a computer laptop lid, triggering hibernation mode or system shut down.  Originally, computer terminals used reed switches in each of the keyboard keys.  Modern keyboard detection solutions are much less expensive.  Switches in diving flashlights use magnetic reeds as a waterproof solution.

There are many other similar uses for the reed magnetic switch.  Visit Sensor Solutions at their website to find application design guides and specifications.

[techytomas]

What You Need to Know About Magnetic Pickups

Sensors are widely used in a diverse number of industries. Quality parts from reputable dealers like Sensor Solutions are necessary to build and maintain the equipment used every day. Magnetic pickups are an essential part of sensor function and are frequently used in automotive engineering and vehicle repair; they are most often found connected to the distributor as part of a larger assembly. In some vehicles a magnetic pickup may be connected to the crackshaft flywheel for use as a reference sensor.

When magnetic pickups are present near the distributor, they will possess both a rotor and permanently fixed magnet. You can also recognize a pickup of this type because both the trigger wheel and the pole piece will have the same number of teeth as there are cylinders present in the vehicle. If the magnetic pickup within the assembly connected to the distributor ever needs replaced, make sure to select a part that has the correct number of teeth; selecting the wrong part will disrupt the operation of the distributor and cause widespread problems throughout the vehicle.

A magnetic pickup can be used when building sensors that detect speed. When used in this manner the pickup is connected to the speed sensor cable with the help of a connector assembly. All these elements will have to be on hand before your new pickup can be placed within the sensor. You can purchase the connector assembly and the speed sensor cable from any outlet that stocks magnetic pickups. Simply select the components that are of the same size and type. Certain pickups are intended to detect slower speeds or faster speeds; refer to each part’s specs to see its maximum and minimum range. Many of the most powerful and sensitive pickups are also the smallest so your sensor can be built to a convenient, hand-held size.

Whether you are an automotive engineer or designing a new sensor, you need to select the parts that are best suited for the job. Select magnetic pickups according to the job that you need them to do and you will not be disappointed. Visit www.sensorso.com to order magnetic pickups from Sensor Solutions.

[techytomas]

How To Use An Angle Position Sensor

An angle position sensor, also known as a rotary encoder, converts the angular setting of a shaft into an electrical signal for input.  One common use is to detect the settings of a knob on an electrical component, such as the station control on an FM radio.

The encoded signal can be either analog or digital.  The sensor itself can be either single turn or multiple-turn.  A single turn sensor will return a value according to the absolute position of the shaft.  In contrast, a multiple-turn sensor will return a value relative to the starting position, in other words, a distance.  In addition, by detecting the rotation time, the sensor can also provide a rotational speed.

These types of sensors see many uses including robotics, computer mice, industrial controls, stress rheometers, and rotating radar installations.

Angle Position Sensor Specifications

Sensors are generally buffered electrically, so that they act like either switches for digital outputs, or variable resistors, for analog outputs.  Circuit designers can interface to the sensors by providing a voltage source and a voltage level detector.  The electronic properties of each type of transducer are standardized, so specifying the electrical portion of the sensor is generally straightforward.  It is simply chosen to match the input device, whether it be a microprocessor or a detector circuit.

Designers will generally choose a rotary encoder based mainly on the mechanical properties.  The shaft sizes are standard, but the other properties of the shaft can be chosen to present a range of interfaces to the user.  For instance, one type of shaft rotates smoothly while another type return clicks as it is spun.  The clicks do nothing electrically, but they do give the user tactile feedback to give a stronger impression to the user that he or she is actually doing something with their knob turn.  Another example is the use of the angular velocity measurement, which can be used to allow the user to accelerate the adjustment outputs when the knob is turned faster.

The application notes of each type of angle position sensor can help the designer with further details.