MagnetoPot Potentiometers
The MagnetoPot is simple, yet elegant in its ability to track motion in a contactless manner. A magnet on the inside of a cylinder, or on the other side of a motion device will guide the built-in magnetics of the MagnetoPot for position output as a voltage divider.
As opposed to a Reed Switch, which gives simply “open” or “close” signals, the MagnetoPot gives the full linear travel as a magnetic sensor. For the cost of a Reed Switch, the MagnetoPot offers tremendous sensing solutions for a fraction of other magnetic sensors costs. What position sensor can offer the magnetic characteristics of a reed switch with the output of a potentiometer, for the same cost of a Reed Switch? Only Spectra Symbol’s MagnetoPot.
As a level sensor, both liquid level sensor and a magnetic potentiometer, the MagnetoPot will give linear feedback to position. For liquid level sensors, the MagnetoPot can attach to the outside of a liquid tank and give position of the magnet inside the float. No water ingress, no wearing of the part by environment, because the MagnetoPot is away from the activity.
Hydraulic and Pneumatic cylinders typically have only end Reed Switches to control over-extension, but the MagnetoPot can offer much more than the end Reed Switches; it can give full-travel position sensing with magnetic forces through a potentiometer output.
How it works
he MagnetoPot is made of polyester, fiberglass and kapton, depending on the specification required. It functions as a voltage divider, a resistor or rheostat, as desired by the end-user. By bringing the exterior magnet into a proximity necessary to connect with the internal magnetic attractors, the operator can obtain linear position sensing based on the location of the exterior magnet. As the exterior magnet moves, so does the electrical output of the MagnetoPot.
The MagnetoPot should not be mounted to a ferromagnetic surface.
Electrical Output
Just as with the traditional membrane potentiometer, the MagnetoPot gives a linear position feedback with the motion of the external magnet.
Res.-Tol. – ±20%
Lin.-Tol. – ±5%
Resolution: depends upon the exterior magnet strength and distance to the MagnetoPot
Internal Drive Magnet
The Spectra Symbol MagnetoPot uses a N42SH grade, Neodymium, magnet as the tracking magnet of the sensor. Spectra Symbol has partnered with K&J Magnetics.