Mini Inductive Sensors Target Embedded Apps On The Squeeze

Aug. 23, 2004

Embedded applications often require small sensors to fit in tight areas, such as those found in metal-stamping industries. A novel series of 3-mm diameter sensors gives designers another option in this arena. The Bi-1EH03 line of Picoprox miniature inductive sensors from Turck Inc. features a 1-mm sensing range on mild steel without the need for an in-line amplifier. An LED located near the cable entry of the sensor enables users to easily confirm that the appropriate operation is in progress.

The sensors consist of a smooth stainless-steel barrel with two meters of polyurethane potted-in cable for increased durability where cutting coolants and other harsh chemicals reside. Besides the standard 2-mm cable lengths, Turck can mold standard M8 Picofast and M12 Eurofast connectors to the cable in varying lengths besides the standard lengths for easy installation.

The three-wire sensors produce a TTL-compatible, three-wire output of 10 to 30 V dc with an output current of 100 mA, in npn (# M619323) and pnp (# M619322) versions for sinking and sourcing applications, respectively. The sensors switch at 5 kHz and contain integral circuitry that protects against wire breaks and reverse-polarity conditions. Designed for use in industrial environments, they can operate from 25°C to 70°C (13°F to 158°F) and carry protection ratings in accordance with IP67 specifications.

List price for the Bi-1EH03 Picoprox sensors is $111. Availability is from stock.

Turck Inc.www.turck.com (800) 544-7769

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About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.