What is a Rotary Position Sensor?

A Rotary Position Sensor measures position in a rotary fashion; either clockwise or anticlockwise. They can be described as an electromagnetic device which emits an electrical signal which corresponds to the angle of rotation of an object around a shaft.

Rotary Position Sensors can use various types of technology, these can be either contacting or non-contacting. At Positek, our rotary position sensors use our own PIPS technology which is non-contacting.

What is a Rotary Position Sensor Used for?

Rotary Position Sensors can be used for a variety of applications throughout many different industries, some of these applications include;

• Steering wheel position
• Steering systems in heavy-duty machinery
• Gear position in vehicles
• Pedal positioning
• Industrial process and control systems
• Various OEM applications
• Camera angles in security cameras
• Marine applications including rudder references in boats and ships
• Various medical applications

Some applications specific to Positek Rotary Position Sensors are;

Water Jets for Support Vessels - Our rotary position sensor is used to sense the position of the reverse duct and steering cylinders.

Valve Positioning - the rotary position sensor feeds information into the plc programme comparing the incoming signal with the signal of the valve.

Textile Carding Machines - Our rotary position sensor controls the tension on the delicate bundle of cotton fibres as it is passed through various processes.

Different Types of Rotary Position Sensor

There are different types of rotary position sensor. Using different technologies;

Positek PIPs - our rotary position sensors use patented inductive sensor technology. They are highly robust and suitable for the industry's harshest environments.

Hall Effect Rotary Sensors - another non-contacting design; Hall effect sensors use magnetic fields to help determine position. Our sister company Variohm Eurosensor holds a range of Hall effect sensors. See them here.

RVDTs - Rotary Variable Differential Transformer use metal coils and a metal core. Our Positek Sensors work on a similar principle to RVDTs.

Benefits of using our Rotary Position Sensors

Our Rotary Position Sensors have the following benefits;

• High Accuracy
• Long life
• Wear free - promoting longer life
• Operate without interference
• Well suited to harsh environments
• ATEX certifications where required
• Custom made
• Angular measurements from 5 to 160 degrees.

Rotary Position Sensors from Positek

All of our Rotary Position Sensors can be found on our website. Our ranges consist of our standard range, underwater range and intrinsically safe rotary position sensors.

Our intrinsically safe range is specifically designed for areas where there is risk of explosion, they help towards creating a safe working environment.

If you are looking for a custom solution please contact us to discuss your requirements. Once you have placed an order we can guarantee delivery within 2 working days.