Linear Position Sensors

KTC – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke lengths up to 1250 mm
Pulling Rod Type

KTF – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke lengths up to 3000 mm
Rodless type

PA1 – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke length up to 450 mm
Pulling rod type

PCM – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke Lengths 50-900 mm
Pulling Rod Type

PZ12 – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke length up to 150 mm
Puling Rod Type

PZ34 – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke length up to 250 mm
Pulling Rod Type

PY1 – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke length up to 450 mm
Pull & Push Rod Type

PY2 – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke length up to 50 mm
Ball Head Pre-loaded Spring Type

PY3 – Linear Motion Position Sensor
Stroke length up to 50 mm
Roller head pre-loaded spring type

TR2 – Ball Head Pre-loaded Spring Type
10-100mm
IP65 Protection

TR3 – Roller Head Pre-loaded Spring
Type 10-100m
IP65 Protection

Linear position sensors play a crucial role in various industries, providing precise motion and displacement measurements along a single axis. These sensors are widely used in automation, robotics, automotive applications, and industrial machinery. Among the different types of linear position sensors, potentiometric linear sensors (also known as linear potentiometers or lin pots) are among the most common due to their accuracy, ease of integration, and cost-effectiveness.

This article explores the key characteristics of different linear position sensor models, their applications, and the best options for specific use cases. All the products mentioned in this article are available in Israel through Amironic, the authorized distributor for these sensors.

Working Principle of Linear Position Sensors

Linear potentiometers operate based on the principle of a resistive track and a moving wiper. As the wiper moves along the track, the resistance changes, generating a proportional voltage output corresponding to the position of the moving part. These sensors offer continuous analog output, making them highly suitable for applications requiring real-time position feedback.

Key Features and Performance Metrics

When selecting a linear position sensor, several key parameters should be considered:

• Stroke Length: Defines the range of motion the sensor can measure.
• Accuracy & Linearity: Determines how closely the output follows a straight-line response.
• Resolution: Indicates the smallest detectable change in position.
• Environmental Resistance: Includes sealing ratings (IP protection), vibration resistance, and temperature stability.
• Mounting & Mechanical Design: Affects ease of integration into specific applications.

Overview of Linear Position Sensor Models

Below is a summary of various linear position sensor models, each designed for specific applications:

General-Purpose Sensors

• ELPM Series: Designed for motorsports applications, featuring a ruggedized IP67 housing and elastomer-damped wipers for durability. Suitable for harsh environments such as ride height, suspension, and steering angle measurement.
• IPL Series: Cost-effective linear potentiometer offering strokes up to 1000mm. It is dustproof and water-resistant (IP65), making it ideal for industrial applications.

Compact & High-Temperature Sensors

• KTP Series: Designed for space-limited applications, offering high-temperature stability and robust construction.
• KTC Series: Provides long stroke lengths (up to 1250mm) in a compact design.
• KTF Series: Rodless sensor capable of measuring up to 3000mm stroke, ideal for applications where space constraints limit the use of traditional pulling rod sensors.

Precision & Industrial Sensors

• VLP/VXP Series: Provides high repeatability and linearity, available in IP65 (VLP) and IP67 (VXP) for extended environmental performance. Ideal for applications requiring precise motion feedback.
• PA1 Series: Pulling rod type sensor with up to 450mm stroke, commonly used in industrial machinery.
• PCM Series: Offers strokes between 50-900mm with a pulling rod type design for general industrial applications.

Compact & Specialty Sensors

• PZ12 & PZ34 Series: Small-stroke sensors (up to 150mm and 250mm, respectively) with high precision, used for fine motion detection.
• PY1 Series: Features pull & push rod type configuration for increased versatility.
• PY2 & PY3 Series: Designed with ball head and roller head pre-loaded spring types for applications requiring consistent contact pressure.
• TR2 & TR3 Series: Miniature transducers with pre-loaded springs, designed for limited-space applications such as cam-following and moving stock applications.

Selecting the Right Sensor for Your Application

Each sensor model has unique advantages suited for specific applications:

• Motorsports & Automotive: ELPM Series for ride height and suspension measurement.
• Industrial Automation: VLP/VXP Series for precision motion control.
• Space-Limited & High-Temperature Environments: KTP, KTC, and KTF Series.
• General Purpose & Cost-Effective: IPL and PA1 for budget-friendly, reliable solutions.
• Fine Motion & Compact Systems: PY2, PY3, TR2, and TR3 for applications requiring small form factor sensors.

Comparison Table of Linear Position Sensors

Sensor Model	Stroke Length (mm)	Environmental Protection	Application
ELPM	12.5 – 175	IP67	Motorsports
IPL	12.5 – 1000	IP65	Industrial
KTP	12.7 – 38.1	High Temp Stability	Space-Limited
KTC	Up to 1250	–	Compact Design
KTF	Up to 3000	–	Rodless Applications
VLP/VXP	25 – 250	IP65 (VLP) / IP67 (VXP)	Precision Control
PA1	Up to 450	–	Industrial Machinery
PCM	50 – 900	–	General Industrial
PZ12	Up to 150	–	Fine Motion Detection
PZ34	Up to 250	–	Fine Motion Detection
PY1	Up to 450	–	Pull & Push Rod
PY2	Up to 50	–	Ball Head Spring Type
PY3	Up to 50	–	Roller Head Spring Type
TR2	10 – 100	IP40 (IP65 optional)	Cam-following
TR3	10 – 100	IP40 (IP65 optional)	Moving Stock

Conclusion

Linear position sensors provide essential feedback in various applications, ensuring smooth and accurate control of mechanical systems. By selecting the appropriate sensor based on stroke length, environmental conditions, and mounting requirements, engineers can enhance the reliability and efficiency of their designs.

For availability and purchasing options in Israel, contact Amironic, the official distributor.