Where are TTL Draw Wire Sensors Used?

If you are an engineer, you might question where the TTL draw-wire sensors fit within the core world of automation. The TTL draw wire displacement sensor for industrial automation

is a spring-loaded steel cable connected to an absolute magnetic-type position sensor, providing a digital signal indicating how far the cable has been pulled from the outer end.

The device serves as a mini linear position sensor and a new rugged cable extension transducer in an all-in-one housing, so manufacturers can use it in any application where mechanical motion must be monitored reliably, even after a power cycle. Next, we dive deeper into particular use cases that are searched for the most.

Table of Contents

• Can TTL draw wire sensors be used for AGV position feedback and navigation?
• Are draw wire displacement sensors suitable for outdoor or harsh environment applications?
• What industries use draw wire sensors for linear position measurement?
• Can a TTL wire displacement sensor be used with a PLC or Arduino?

Can TTL draw wire sensors be used for AGV position feedback and navigation?

Yes. A TTL draw wire sensor stands out for higher effectiveness, especially for AGV vertical navigation and horizontal positioning. With power-off memory, the AGV positioning is communicated via the built-in absolute magnetic encoder, eliminating the need to have a reference point after every power-on. 

The sensor has TTL communication and a communication baud rate of 115200 and is designed to be directly integrated into the AGV’s onboard control unit for making real-time steering corrections. It is suitable for countersigned guided mobile equipment in an industrial truck, and other guided mobile equipment where recalibration is not permitted to cause downtime.

Are draw wire displacement sensors suitable for outdoor or harsh environment applications?

The precise answer is yes. A draw wire displacement stands of higher suitability for harsh environments and outdoor applications. Here are the things that are taken into consideration:

• Ecological Aspect
  The draw wire sensors are constructed from anIP54-ratedg aluminum alloy housing and are rated for operation from -40°C to +85°C and are designed to resist dust, moisture, temperature changes, and mechanical shock of equipment generally found in agriculture, forestry, construction, and mining.
  
• Corrosion Prospect
  The nylon-coated AISI 304 steel wire is anti-corrosion and convenient to operate to some extent without greater friction between the wire and cable during the repeated extension and compression process, and the cable outlet is solid and made of the material: ceramic wire to ensure that the cable is not easily worn at the cable outlet area when extending and compressing repeatedly.
  
• Key Resistance to Shock
  The sensor is tested for shock resistance up to 50G dynamic and vibration from 10Hz to 500Hz, and will work normally under jolts typical in outdoor machinery, but ensures the connectors have no direct contact with water.
  
• Higher Durability
  Furthermore, durability also stands beneficial since they are being utilized widely in the outdoors and within dirty industries such as timber, mining, and even agriculture.

What industries use draw wire sensors for linear position measurement?

Draw wire sensors are found in many application areas due to their absolute position accuracy and long fatigue life. They offer a reliable, affordable linear position measurement. Here are the core industries that make use of draw wire sensors:

• Material handling and logistics – Keeping track of lift and conveyor/cart location/pallet mover cart position
• Agricultural Machinery – Keeping track of boom position, seed depth, hydraulic cylinder stroke 
• Pumps or excavators – Measuring the distance between the pump and the exemplar or the pickup distance on excavators 
• Quality packaging equipment – stroke length and repeatable positioning on high-speed lines 
• Lube Systems 48 – Sasingar’s high-performance, low-drop-in suspension travel and steering feedback systems

Can a TTL wire displacement sensor be used with a PLC or Arduino?

A Transistor-Transistor Logic Wire displacement sensor can be utilized both for the Arduino and for the PLC. Likewise, the TTL interface is an absolute draw wire sensor for PLC and Arduino applications, which means that it can easily be mastered with a serial communication method in common industrial controller or microcontroller boards. Further, if you want to achieve a much more nuanced insight about PLCs, you can also check out that offers enhanced insights.

There are a few points, however, that should be considered for a clean integration:

• Check the voltage of the supply voltage before amperage is connected (5V – 24V)
• Set up the baud rate through the communication protocol or configuration software (default: 9600) 
• Use one of the two modes: “Query” or “Auto-return”, depending on whether your PLC or Arduino sketch polls for data or takes continuous data.

The axis position values are stored in power-off memory, so they don’t need to be re-homed any time the PLC turns off or power-downs. This makes PLCLad and Arduino projects even easier.

Bottom Line

Today, TTLised draw wire sensors have proven to be reliable devices for situations where linear motion is required to be measured accurately, repeatedly, and thereby without the need for constant recalibration. 

Their absolute encoder technology, rugged wire construction, and adaptable TTL communication enable them to work in a variety of automation applications, from AGV systems to industrial trucks, agricultural booms, and packaging lines. 

If you are designing a new project and a displacement sensor is your choice, then Briter Encoder’s TTL draw wire displacement sensor fulfills all these requirements. Take a look at the BRT27, BRT38, and BRT27X series to get the range and connection type you need for your application, or connect with the team via phone +86 176 6528 0977 and get assistance on integrating. Thus, TTL draw wire sensors have effectively earned the place as a go-to solution wherein the linear motion requires to be measured in an accurate and even hassle free constant recalibration.

FAQs

1. What is the resolution of a TTL draw wire sensor?
   This is dependent on the model and range, but for a 500mm range sensor, with a 3,800 PPR sensor range encoder, it can be calculated as approximately 0.0244mm per pulse.
   
2. What is the approximate lifespan of the draw wire sensor?
   These draw wire sensors can last for years of continuous industrial duty, with a fatigue rating of approximately 500,000 cycles, and an electrical life of more than 100,000 hours.
   
3. Is there a need for special care when installing the steel wire rope?
   Yes, the 0.8mm nylon-coated wire is to be pulled along its axis and not from side angles beyond 15° of its rated deviation.