Piher launches ultra-miniature rotary sensor

Other applications include instrumentation, HVAC systems, automotive control systems, marine controls, forklift trucks, farm equipment, cranes, low-speed motor feedback, valve-position sensors and robotic and automation feedback systems.

The MT360 combines a through-shaft design with 360deg absolute position feedback in a miniature size.

The result is the claimed smallest fully featured rotary sensor on the market with reliability up to 25 million cycles.

With its size of 6 x 17 x 18mm, engineers can integrate a fully featured rotary sensor directly on their PCB without the packaging issues that typically accompany encoders or other absolute position devices.

The low profile is said to fit easily in places that were previously too small for pre-packaged rotary sensors.

The MTS360 relies on Hall-effect technology to enable non-contacting through-hole shaft sensing using standard SMD features.

The offset through-hole accommodates the vacuum pick-up tool, allowing use in automated SMD assembly systems.

The standard model features a 4mm double D-flat shaft and an eight-pad SMD footprint that is compatible in most reflow soldering systems.

The device offers electrical angles up to 360deg with no dead band and linearity as low as +/- 0.5 per cent.

Rated for use at -40C to +150C, the sensor can operate can operate up to 300rpms and can be programmed with full-scale output with angles shorter than 360deg.

Output is selectable between analogue, PWM 12 bits or serial protocol (SPI) at 14 bits and includes a second output channel to provide a programmable switch signal.

A redundant version with a dual core sensor in the same package is also available.