A

Linear Position Sensors for

Extended Temperatures

FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS

seen in industrial
processes like steel production, oil and
gas drilling, power generation, injection
molding, and thermoforming as well as
in the aerospace and transportation industries can be especially hard on sensors. Heres how to help your sensors
survive temperature-related challenges.
THE HIGH TEMPERATURES

Q: How can I protect my sensors

from extended temperatures?

A: Cooling your electronics enclosures to
protect sensitive parts is one way to keep
your sensors working accurately. But
cooled enclosures add complexity and
are not feasible in many environments.
Another option is to locate the sensiSponsored by MTS Sensors

Temposonics

Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensors

Model RD4

Q: What are the advantages of

How it works: Magnetostrictive position sensors

Q: How do extended temperatures

affect sensors?
A: Many types of sensors experience
a loss of accuracy called sensor drift at
temperatures outside their rated range.
Software algorithms that take temperature into account may be able to compensate for this drift. In fact, most digital sensors have such algorithms built
into their signal processors.
Another, costlier, effect of extreme
temperatures is the shortening of sensor life. Sensors semiconductor components carry a mean-time-to-failure
(MTTF) rating usually determined at a
25C ambient temperature. In practice,
however, MTTF is halved for each 10C
the semiconductors see over that ambient temperature.
So, if your sensors signal processor has
a stated MTTF of 10 years at 25C, but
your process has them seeing 45C, be
prepared to replace that processor every
30 months. When planning for MTTF,
dont forget that temperatures inside
electronics housings can be significantly
higher than ambient temperatures.

magnetic field with that of the mobile

magnet causes a magnetostrictive
response in the waveguide.
The magnetostrictive response takes
the form of an ultrasonic torsion strain
wave that travels back down the waveguide at a constant speed. At the
waveguides end, a strain converter
transforms the strain wave into an
electrical signal. Electronics correlate
the waves travel time with the position
of the moving magnet.

Magnetostrictive position sensors rely on the fact that ferromagnetic materials respond
to magnetic fields with elastic microscopic strain. The interaction of two magnetic fields
sends a strain wave down the waveguide to convert into an electrical signal. Electronics
correlate travel time with the absolute position of field interaction.

tive electronics away from the extreme

temperatures. Sensing modules take
the heat and send their signals by wire
to processors located in cooler spots.

Q: Do some sensors work in

extended temperatures?
A: It is possible to source semiconductor components that are rated for higher temperatures. Some, for instance,
state their MTTF at 85C. However,
sourcing high-temperature semiconductors can significantly increase the cost of
the sensing system.
In fact, many sensing mechanisms are
less sensitive to extended temperatures
than their signal processors. Sensor
technology dictates whether a sensor
functions reliably in difficult environments. Sensors that directly convert
physical measurement to electrical
signals, like electromechanical sensors,
potentiometers, and optical sensors,
experience greater sensor drift at high
temperatures. Sensors that rely on direct
contact must also account for thermal

expansion at extreme temperatures.

Magnetostrictive position sensors, on
the other hand, use a non-contact
method to convert the physical quantity
being measured to a mechanical strain
at the sensing point, so these sensors
are less sensitive to temperature.

Q: How do magnetostrictive

sensors work?
A: Magnetostriction is the phenomenon that causes ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt, to microscopically distort in response to a
magnetic field. These elastic strains are
directly proportional to the strength of
the magnetic field.
Magnetostrictive position sensors
make use of this with a ferromagnetic waveguide and a mobile magnet
secured to the item whose position is
being measured. The waveguide carries
a short current pulse along its length
which generates a radial magnetic field.
When the pulse approaches the mobile
magnet, the interaction of the radial

magnetostrictive sensors?
A: Magnetostrictive position sensors
provide absolute position readings, not
relative values that require recalibration.
This can be a big advantage in highthroughput or extreme environments.
Designers can also take advantage of
the ability of magnetostrictive sensors
to return the positions of multiple items
simultaneously. Because the current
pulse is not changed when magnetic
fields interact, it can continue along
the waveguide to interact with the
magnetic fields of additional mobile
magnets. A sensor reading multiple
inputs can install more compactly and
save money by only requiring a single
set of signal-processing electronics.
Magnetostrictive position sensors also
last longer than other sensor technologies because they are non-contact and
have no moving parts or parts in contact
that can wear and require replacement
and recalibration. Because there is no
contact, there are no delicate sensing
surfaces to clean or sensitivity to dirt or
dust. And the use of a torsional strain
wave makes the sensors less sensitive to
shock and vibration.

Q: What are my options

for extended temperature

magnetostrictive sensors?
A: Some magnetostriction position sensors are rated for extended temperatures. For instance, MTS Sensors Temposonics ET works up to 105C. It can
be supplied with an ATEX rating for explosive environments and with a 316L
Stainless housing if required.
Other extended temperature options
include MTS Sensors RD4 and RT4,
which are good up to 100C. Both
models allow for remote location of
the electronics which connect to the
sensing module via a wire and pipe.

Model RT4

Model ET

Delivering exceptional reliability and

repeatability in extended temperature
conditions
Click to learn more

MTS Systems Corporation,

Sensors Division
3001 Sheldon Drive
Cary, NC
Tel. 800-633-7609
www.mtssensors.com
info.us@mtssensors.com