Different types of Position Sensor

Different types of Position Sensor

There are different types of position sensor; the main types come under the type of movement they measure; linear or rotary.

Linear position sensors convert linear movements or measurements into output signals for processing. Linear position sensors are all around us. Linear position sensors use different types of technology to ensure they are taking measurements in the best way for the application in hand. 

They can be either contacting or non-contacting; non-contacting linear position sensors are wear-free and therefore offer a longer life but typically are higher in cost.

Rotary position sensors convert rotary movements into output signals. Like linear position sensors, rotary position sensors can also be contacting or non-contacting. 

Rotary position sensors can also be single turn or multi-turn so depending on the degree of rotation or number of turns, one type will be better suited.

Position Sensor Technology

Each different type of position sensor uses a different type of technology. Some of the more popular and well-known ones are;

Potentiometer - a contacting technology used in both linear and rotary sensors.

Hall effect - more popular with rotary sensors but can also be used in linear sensors, non-contacting technology.

Inductive - non-contacting technology using alternating currents to measure linear position. 

LVDT - non-contacting linear sensors - linear variable differential transformer

RVDT - non-contacting rotary sensors - rotary variable differential transformer

Eddy Current - inductive non-contacting measuring method for linear and rotary movements