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Position Transducers Miniature and
Sub-Miniature Sizes Off-the-Shelf and Custom
Designs Operating Temperatures from
-65° to +125° C Environmentally Tested to DO-160D, ED-14D, and MIL-STD-810E For Linear, Angular, Rotary, 2D, and 3D Motion Analog or Digital Electrical Outputs Qualified for Commercial/Military Aircraft and Manned Space
Vehicle Use Vehicle, Aerospace, Industrial Control, OEM, Medical, and Test &
Measurement Applications
"The Flexible Alternative to LVDTs and Linear Potentiometers"
Rugged, Miniature
Position
Transducers
Solution Guide
Rugged, Miniature
Position
Transducers
Solution Guide
Environmental Controls
Inspection Systems
Quantity/Level Sensing
Vehicle and Crash Test
Flight Data Recorder 2
www.spaceagecontrol.com
Unparalleled Flexibility . . . . . .2
Technology Overview . . . . . . .2
How They Are Used . . . . . . . .3
Typical Applications . . . . . . . .3
Product Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Key Innovations . . . . . . . . . . .6
String Potentiometer
and String Encoder
Engineering Guide . . . . . . . . .6
More Information . . . . . . . . . .6
Additional Resources . . . . . .7
Air Data Products
for Aircraft, Vehicles
and Wind Energy . . . . . . . . . .7
Company Background . . . . . .8
Table Of Contents
Technology Overview
How Position Transducers Work
Position transducers convert mechanical motion into an electrical signal that may be
metered, recorded, or transmitted. SpaceAge Control position transducers consist of a
stainless steel displacement cable wound on a threaded drum that is directly coupled to
a precision, long-life sensor. Operationally, the position transducer is mounted in a fixed
position and the extension cable is attached to a moving object. The axes of movement
for the extension cable and moving object are aligned with each other. As movement
occurs, the displacement cable extracts and retracts. An internal, engineered spring
maintains tension on the displacement cable.
The threaded drum rotates a precision,
long-life sensor that produces an elec-
trical output proportional to the
displacement cable travel. The
output is measured to
reflect the position,
direction, or rate
of motion of the
moving object.
Unparalleled Flexibility
These all-environment miniature displacement transducers are also referred to as draw
wire transducers, string pots, string encoders, cable extension transducers, and yo yo
pots. Complementary to LVDTs, encoders, linear potentiometers, and related displace-
ment sensors, SpaceAge Control position transducers are noted for their small size,
rugged performance, accuracy, flexible mounting, and easy installation. Their inherent
high-strength flexible cable allows linear, angular, rotary, two-dimensional, and three-
dimensional motion to be monitored.
Linear
2D
Angular
Rotary
3D 661-273-3000 fax: 661-273-4240
3
Typical Applications
Experiments
Actuator Position
Rail
Suspension
Material Handling
Vehicle Stability
Earthquake Monitoring
Nautical/Offshore
Controls
Actuators
Engines
Industrial Machinery
Material Handling
Robotics
Packaging
Assembly Equipment
Control Systems
Biomechanics
Man-Machine Interface
Entry and Egress
Prosthetics
Orthotics
Ergonomics
Entertainment and
Sports
Bicycles/Motorcycles
Amusement Park Rides
Animation
Sports Equipment
Firearms
Simulators
Virtual Reality
Stage Positioning
How They Are Used
Position transducers are used in a broad range of position, displace-
ment, and velocity measurement applications to:
ensure distance traveled
continually sense location or relative position
indicate levels
act as limit sensors
control actuators through position sensing
act as a signal generator for recording position versus
time, cycle rate, and magnitude of random cycle events
monitor relative motion
indicate events
Auto/Truck/Bus/
Off-Highway
Suspension
Vehicle Dynamics
Powertrain
NV&H
Ride and Handling
Driver Behavior
Safety Systems
Crash Testing
Motorsports
Driver Controls
Durability
Passenger Comfort
Linkages
Braking Systems
Aircraft
Control Systems
Flight Dynamics
Linkages
Engine
Landing Gear
Braking Systems
Flight Data Recorder
Flight Simulators
Aerospace
Launch Systems
Solar Panel Deployment
Environmental Controls
Docking and Capture
Bellows Level
Train Suspension Monitoring
Vehicle Side Impact Testing
Medical Diagnostic Equipment 661-273-3000 fax: 661-273-4240
1
Product Matrix
Relative Size
Data Sheet
Electrical Output
(In (mm))
Nominal Mass
(oz (g))
Series
150
170
173
174
175
176160161162
D60
D61
D62
161H
162H
180-
08038
L
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s021i.htm
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s021j.htm
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analog
(voltage divider)
analog
(voltage divider)
analog
(voltage divider)
digital
(quadrature)
analog
(voltage divider)
analog
(voltage divider)
voltage divider, bridge,
voltage conditioner,
4-20mA, velocity, or digital
(quadrature)
analog (voltage divider) or
digital (quadrature)
Maximum
Measurement Range
(inches (mm))
1.5
(38.1)
6.5
(165)
42.5
(1080)
43.13
(1095)
42.5
(1080)
10.0
(254)
2000.0
(50800)
21.25
(540)
Outline Dimensions
(inches(mm))
Best Operating
Temperature Range
(
o
F (
o
C))
Best Frequency
Response (gs)
Best Water/Dust
Protection
0.5 (15)
1 (28)
(Series 170)
4 (113)
(Series 160)
6 (170)
(Series D60)
7 (198)
(Series 161H)
2 (57)
64 (1814)
3 (85)
0.75 x 0.75 x 0.38
(19 x 19 x 10)
.96 dia. x 0.45
(24 dia. x 11)
(Series 170)
1.8 x 2.2 x 2.5
(46 x 56 x 64)
(Series 160)
1.8 x 2.2 x 2.5
(46 x 56 x 64)
(Series D60)
2.4 x 3.0 x 2.87
62 x 76 x 73
(Series 161H)
1.5 dia. x 1.7
(38 x 43)
9.0 x 9.0 x 5.0
(229 x 229 x 127)
1.7 dia. x 1.87
(43 dia. x 47)
-85 to +257
(-65 to +125)
-85 to +257
(-65 to +125)
-67 to +257
(-55 to +125)
-4 to +212
(-20 to +100)
-67 to +257
(-55 to +125)
-67 to +257
(-55 to +125)
-40 to +185
(-40 to +85)
-40 to +185
(-40 to +85)
49
6 to 40
less than 50
less than 50
greater
than 50
9
10
20
NEMA 3S /
IP54
NEMA 3S /
IP54
NEMA 4X /
IP66
NEMA 4X /
IP66
NEMA 4X /
IP66
NEMA 3S /
IP54
NEMA 4 /
IP65
NEMA 12 /
IP53
(NEMA 4 /
IP66 optional)
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voltage divider,
bridge, voltage
conditioner, 4-20mA,
velocity, or digital
(quadrature)
85.0
(2159)
6
6 (170)
(Series 60)
1.8 x 2.2 x 3.7
(46 x 56 x 94)
(Series 60)
-40 to +185
(-40 to +80) less than 50
NEMA 4X/
IP66
1
www.spaceagecontrol.com
All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
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voltage divider,
voltage conditioner,
4-20mA,
velocity, or digital
(quadrature)
85.0
(2159)
6 (170)
3.91 dia. x 1.78
(99.3 dia. x 45.2)
-4 to +185
(-20 to +85)
10
NEMA 12 /
IP53
(NEMA 4 /
IP66 optional) 6
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String Potentiometer and String Encoder Engineering Guide
Would you like to qualify for a 12-page, full-color copy of the "String Potentiometer and String
Encoder Engineering Guide"?
If so, complete a web form at
www.spaceagecontrol.com/req054b.htm
and you will be qualified for a
FREE downloadable (electronic) copy. This publication will get you up and running on cable-actuated
displacement-sensing technology, uses, designs, benefits, and limitations.
Key Innovations
SpaceAge Control has pioneered a broad range of techniques and designs to improve displacement sensing ease of use,
accuracy, and miniaturization. A few of these innovations are shown below.
Patented (1974) universal
mounting base provides 2-axis
rotational capability in a
compact form factor.
Compact, proven, dual-
redundant designs provide
high-reliability in cylinders and
accumulators. Applications
include space vehicles, aircraft,
and eviromental control systems.
High cable-tension, ultra-low-
inertia Model 174-0321T posi-
tion transducer has the highest
frequency response for all sub-
miniature position transducers.
Direct Connect
TM
sensor-to-
drum technology eliminates
the use of backlash-causing
torsion springs, clutches,
gears, and other devices.
AccuTrak
TM
threaded drums are
offered only by SpaceAge
Control and enhance repeata-
bility performance by not
allowing cable overlap nor
cable spread.
Ultra-small designs fit where
other technologies are too
large. Series 150 products are
the world's smallest.
Coming soon: the Series 8
long-range position transducer
offers an enviromentally-pro-
tected displacement cable exit,
enhanced repeatability, and
increased lifecycle capability.
RoundAbout
TM
cable guide
allows cable extraction direction
to change "on the fly" without
re-orienting the position trans-
ducer.
Actual Size
More Information
For complete information including data sheets, fully-dimensioned installation drawings, and CAD solid models,
visit
www.spaceagecontrol.com/ptmain.htm
. Or, contact us by phone (661-273-3000), fax (661-273-4240), or e-mail
(email@spaceagecontrol.com).
Patented 661-273-3000 fax: 661-273-4240
7
Additional Resources
For more information on displacement measurement and sensors, review these publications:
Publication
www.spaceagecontrol.com/
Selecting Position Transducers
selpt.htm
Sensor Total Cost of Ownership
s054a.htm
Application Note for Aircraft/Aerospace
s004a.pdf
Application Note for Ground Vehicles/Transportation
s005a.pdf
Application Note for Ind