Angular position sensors, also known as rotary position sensors, are designed to measure rotary displacement. They are available with various technologies and have different application measuring ranges. Some angular position sensors, like the one on Briter Encoder, are programmable.
Angular position sensors can be contacting or non-contacting, and the measurement ranges can be single-turn or multiturn. Another interesting fact is that multiturn angular sensors can measure angles beyond one rotation (360).
Read on to learn more about angular displacement sensors and their real-life uses.
Applications of Angular Displacement Sensors
The angular position sensor selection has many uses, often used in the following applications;
- Active Aerodynamics
- Wind direction measurement
- Steering angle measurement in Motorsport vehicles and various standard vehicles.
- Pedal and throttle measurement in engine systems of many vehicles
- CCTV measures the angle of the camera and the rotation degree.
- For precise angle measurement in robotics and movements in mechanical arms
- Rudder reference for steering marine vehicles
- Boom and slew angle measurement
- Joystick and hand controllers
- Various test and measurement applications
Browse the best angular displacement sensors 2024 at Briter Encoder.
Types of Angular Position Sensors
There are different rotary displacement sensor types available in the market. They use different technologies, which makes them suitable for different settings. Some of the types of angular sensors include;
- Potentiometer- A resistive transducer that converts angular or linear displacement into an output voltage.
- The Capacitive angular displacement sensor uses a noncontact capacitive rotating and fixed plates principle.
- An angular position magnet tracks the rotational angle of a target magnet and gives a single analog output.
- A laser profiler is a displacement sensor that collects height data across a laser line. It allows for 2D and 3D measurements.
- AMR position sensor that uses magnetoresistance to detect angular displacement.
- An encoder is a rotary displacement sensor that can be absolute or incremental. It measures rotary displacement even where power is cut.
- Inductive displacement sensor—This is a noncontact, low-cost, and reliable sensor used in harsh industrial settings.
Angular position sensors also come in various sizes. A range of micro angular sensors is suitable for space-restricted applications and measures 18mm in diameter. This is called the CMRx range and has the following features.
- Long life
- Redundant output
- Extremely robust
- Customizable housings / Shafts
- Programmable angles from 30° – 360°
- IP protection ratings
Whatever your use, consider the sensor accuracy and range considerations before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions about Angular Displacement:
1. What exactly is angular displacement?
Angular displacement measures the change in an object’s orientation when it rotates around a specific axis. It quantifies the change in terms of angle and helps determine how far an object has rotated from its initial position.
2. How is angular displacement measured?
Angular displacement is measured in radians or degrees. Radians are preferred as they are directly linked to the arc length traveled along a circular path. A full circle represents an angular displacement of 2π radians, 360 degrees.
3. How is an angular displacement different from a linear displacement?
Linear displacement shows the change in position of an object along a straight line. Meanwhile, angular displacement deals with the change in position along a circular path. Linear displacement is measured in units of meters, centimeters, etc, and angular displacement is measured in degrees or radians. Choosing an angle sensor, therefore, depends on your purpose.
4. Can angular displacement be negative?
Yes, angular displacement can be negative depending on the direction of rotation. If an object rotates clockwise, the displacement is considered negative. If it rotates anticlockwise, the angular displacement is positive.
5. How is angular displacement linked with angular velocity?
Angular velocity is the rate at which angular displacement changes over time. It shows how quickly an object is rotating. The higher the angular velocity, the faster an object changes its angular position.
The bottom line
You can find a range of premium quality angular displacement sensors on the online store of Briter Encoder. Browse the options and choose the one suitable for your purpose. Contact us on +86 176 6528 0977 for more information.
