Motion, Position and Speed sensors are being used in a multitude of applications such as robotic movement, electric motor speed, transmission controls, pump value controls, guidance and navigation systems.  As we become more automated in our work places, homes, transport vehicles and SMART factories the requirements for measuring the position and speed of an object and converting these signals for processing and transmission to IOT or a networked system is paramount.

Position sensors can be either linear or angular. The technologies normally used to determine the position of an object are Hall Effect, inductive, magneto-resistive, optical and resistive, and they can measure an absolute position sensor or a relative one depending on the application. Non-contact magnetic technology is ideal for position sensing because it is immune to dust, dirt, mud and water, and its non-contact sensing provides longer-lasting performance and durability for switches without the wear and tear of mechanical switches. There are countless applications of  magnetic technology including motors, brushless DC motors, fans, RPM sensing and flow control in segments such as Industrial, HVAC, Medical, and Appliances. Some other examples are the use of an arc position sensor allowing reliable angle positioning for boom control or a cutter head positioning. A linear position sensor can be used for the correct positioning of outriggers for safe vehicle stabilization while lifting, and the rotary position sensor offers effective steering angle sensing on paver trucks, tilt/trim positioning, position/movement detection, and suspension displacement.

Speed sensors are used to detect rotary motion and the direction (clockwise or anticlockwise), based on different operating principles such as Hall-effect, magneto resistive and inductive.  They can help to detect, without contact, speed of phonic wheels, gears or any rotating metal object with slits or protruding parts. Speed sensors are generally packaged in protective durable housing and can be mounted directly into a customer’s application; this generally leads to the requirement for customization for the specific application. Common uses include the sensing of engine cam and crank speeds, transmission speeds, wheel speeds, electric motor speed, and hydraulic pump speed.

Accelerometers,  Gyroscopes and Inertial Sensors are integrated circuits or modules used to measure the acceleration and angular velocity of an object to which they are attached. Inertial Sensors with features including complete six degree of freedom (6DoF) are user configurable, self-powered, with external inputs. Knowing the position, orientation or speed of a device or tool is critical for any modern control system to work accurately. Design for various applications including automotive ADAS, robotics, biomechanics, aerospace, and test and measurement.

Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace, Packaging, Construction, Agriculture and Healthcare, are the main end markets where you will find Motion, Position and Speed sensors.