January 2003
The unique design of this sensor permits full integration into a customers drive mechanism or system, providing a very low cost but high performance sensor function. The sensors comprise a moulded substrate, integrated connector and rotor or slider mechanism. The rotary sensor includes a fully featured 4-way AMP Minitimer connector. The linear sensor uses six 1.5 * 0.8mm spade connector pins on a 3.5mm pitch. These sensors are not intended as a replacement for conventional "stand-alone" potentiometers (also available from AB). However, in many industrial and automotive applications there is a clear duplication of function and cost. The application has a bearing system, so does the sensor. The application has a sealing system, so does the sensor, The application provides protection, so does the sensor. And so on. With the Rotary IPS we provide the minimum sensor function required for it to function.
The application provides the drive system and bearing, external support for the substrate and sealing if required.
With the Linear IPS, the principle is very similar.
Fitting to Your Application
The IPS is designed to be integrated into the final application. It is not a "bolt-on" solution. We have other products for that type of fitting.
The IPS should be clipped, crimped, heat sealed or secured with adhesive into its final position.
Although the final choice of external housing materials will be dictated by the end application, AB engineers can advise on suitable adhesives that are compatible with the multifunction substrate used in the IPS
Features
The substrate provides a rugged and stable platform for AB's latest high durability integrated dry lubricant thick film ink system. This new ink system has been developed to be tolerant to the microclimate that exists in many applications.
The thick film inks are also designed to offer significant improvements against fuel and automatic transmission fluid contamination.
Without the need for external lubricants or grease, the systems also offers good tolerance against airborne micro-particles.
A precious metal wiper system is fitted to a rotor or slider, clipped into place over the substrate prior to shipment. This design significantly reduces the requirement for a customer to control parameters such as wiper contact force that would be the case in conventional "substrate and wiper" solutions.
The sensor was originally developed for use in a new generation of plastic throttle bodies for automotive fuel injection systems, an application now in volume production.
The compact and robust design of the sensor permits its use in other applications including:
The sensor can be supplied as a single or dual output device (with a common connection to the power supply).
Passive sensors retain a major price:performance ratio over electronic sensors for high temperature applications that demand repeatability and low offset drift. This new IPS sensor from AB Electronic applies new science to well established technology and offers the customer improved reliability and durability at a competitive price.