Arc Position

Arc Position Sensors from CambridgeIC measure the angle of a rotating target relative to a fixed sensor - a challenge found in many systems.

They are positioned off axis, so that the rotation axis is free from sensor parts and any couplings. Arc sensors only extend along the measurement range of interest, so a complete sensor ring around the axis is not needed.

CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensors…

  • Directly measure arc angle
  • Eliminate mechanisms, bearings and couplingsOff-axis sensing - rotation axis clear of sensor parts
  • Enable a big Gap between sensor and target
  • Are truly non-contacting
  • Are robust against mechanical shock
  • Are tolerant of misalignment
  • Are lightweight
  • Can be completely encapsulated against dirt, dust, moisture
  • Can be used in pairs, connected to a single CAM204 CTU processor chip
  • Can be manufactured by the customer, for a cost effective solution that is well integrated with the customer’s product

 CameraElevationApplication2017 06 16A

Motorised surveillance cameras including PTZ cameras often have a tilt axis with limited angle range, for example 90° or 180°. Angle sensors measuring pan and tilt angle help the camera’s control system to point the camera in the desired direction, and to track objects moving in the camera field. An arc sensor helps to simplify the camera’s mechanics, because it can be positioned off axis and does not need precise alignment. Since the sensor only measures the 90° or 180° angle range needed by the application, it can be more compact than a conventional 360° sensor and delivers higher resolution as a fraction of the actual measuring range needed.

 

ParabolicAntennaApplication2017 06 16A

Motorised antennas are used for communications applications including mobile point to point and satellite communication and mobile satellite TV reception. Angle sensors on the elevation axis help the antenna’s control system point in the right direction. Like a surveillance camera tilt axis, an antenna’s elevation axis usually has limited angle range, and a CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensor can be a space efficient and mechanically convenient sensor solution.
 ButterflyValveApplication2017 06 16A
Intelligent valves control fluid flow, driven by an electrical motor, pneumatic or hydraulic power. They often include a butterfly valve with 90° angular movement. The control system usually requires angular position feedback, to ensure the valve is set to the correct angle. A CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensor can precisely measure the full absolute angle of a butterfly valve. It can be positioned inside the control enclosure, or independently sealed for immunity to the harsh chemical and mechanical environment.
SuspensionLevelApplication2017 06 16A
Suspension level sensors help a vehicle measure and sometimes control its suspension level. Applications include load measurement, self-levelling and dynamic active suspension control in off-road vehicles, trucks, all-terrain vehicles and motorsport. CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensors directly measure suspension displacement. They do not need the linkages typically used to adapt linear and rotary sensors for the task, illustrated in the Arc Position Sensor Technology Comparison.
 
Other applications include...
  • Solar panel elevation and azimuth angle sensing
  • Angle sensing for construction vehicle mechanisms
  • Off-road vehicle steering angle sensing
  • Exercise equipment angle feedback
  • Vent flap angle sensing for heating and ventilation
  • Gate opening angle sensing
  • Fluid level sensing, measuring float arm angle

CambridgeIC

Founded in 2007, CambridgeIC has developed single chip processors and a set of standard sensor designs and integration tools. These help customers embed resonant inductive sensing inside their products, by drawing on modular and well proven components.

Contact

Cambridge Integrated Circuits Ltd
21 Sedley Taylor Road
Cambridge
CB2 8PW
UK
+44 (0) 1223 413500
info@cambridgeic.com