Arc Sensor Applications

Arc Position Sensors from CambridgeIC measure the angle of a rotating target relative to a fixed sensor - a challenge found in many systems.

They are positioned off axis, so that the rotation axis is free from sensor parts and any couplings. Arc sensors only extend along the measurement range of interest, so a complete sensor ring around the axis is not needed.

CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensors…

Directly measure arc angle
Eliminate mechanisms, bearings and couplingsOff-axis sensing - rotation axis clear of sensor parts
Enable a big Gap between sensor and target
Are truly non-contacting
Are robust against mechanical shock
Are tolerant of misalignment
Are lightweight
Can be completely encapsulated against dirt, dust, moisture
Can be used in pairs, connected to a single CAM204 CTU processor chip
Can be manufactured by the customer, for a cost effective solution that is well integrated with the customer’s product

Motorised surveillance cameras including PTZ cameras often have a tilt axis with limited angle range, for example 90° or 180°. Angle sensors measuring pan and tilt angle help the camera’s control system to point the camera in the desired direction, and to track objects moving in the camera field. An arc sensor helps to simplify the camera’s mechanics, because it can be positioned off axis and does not need precise alignment. Since the sensor only measures the 90° or 180° angle range needed by the application, it can be more compact than a conventional 360° sensor and delivers higher resolution as a fraction of the actual measuring range needed.

Motorised antennas are used for communications applications including mobile point to point and satellite communication and mobile satellite TV reception. Angle sensors on the elevation axis help the antenna’s control system point in the right direction. Like a surveillance camera tilt axis, an antenna’s elevation axis usually has limited angle range, and a CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensor can be a space efficient and mechanically convenient sensor solution.

Intelligent valves control fluid flow, driven by an electrical motor, pneumatic or hydraulic power. They often include a butterfly valve with 90° angular movement. The control system usually requires angular position feedback, to ensure the valve is set to the correct angle. A CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensor can precisely measure the full absolute angle of a butterfly valve. It can be positioned inside the control enclosure, or independently sealed for immunity to the harsh chemical and mechanical environment.

Suspension level sensors help a vehicle measure and sometimes control its suspension level. Applications include load measurement, self-levelling and dynamic active suspension control in off-road vehicles, trucks, all-terrain vehicles and motorsport. CambridgeIC Arc Position Sensors directly measure suspension displacement. They do not need the linkages typically used to adapt linear and rotary sensors for the task, illustrated in the Arc Position Sensor Technology Comparison.

Other applications include...

Solar panel elevation and azimuth angle sensing
Angle sensing for construction vehicle mechanisms
Off-road vehicle steering angle sensing
Exercise equipment angle feedback
Vent flap angle sensing for heating and ventilation
Gate opening angle sensing
Fluid level sensing, measuring float arm angle

Arc Sensor Applications

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