Responding to the widespread use of surface mount technology for electronics manufacturing, PIHER is introducing a SMD version of its popular PT15 Potentiometer. The new device, the PS15 Rotary Position Sensor, features configurable capabilities for complete design flexibility in a small 15mm package. The sensor offers a new surface mountable solution for detecting changes in angle and position and converting them into a highly reliable voltage output. The sensor can be processed by standard automated placement equipment and reflow (or lead-free reflow) soldered. For applications where rotor angle is critical, locating pins are available.
The PS15 Series is available with seven different rotor designs and 15 shaft styles. This offering allows PIHER to configure a custom sensing solution for virtually any control or position feedback requirement. The result is a customized sensor that maximizes board density, reduces weight and eases assembly while achieving the engineer's critical sensor design goals for the application.
A wide range of options, including up to 38 detents, allows further customization. Detents not only add a crisp "click" sensation for each position without affecting the original sensor specification or performance, but also offer significant savings in both cost and space; and are particularly advantageous in industrial and domestic power tool applications to prevent accidental movement. All PS15 Sensors are available with or without detents.
"The PS15 allows engineers more design freedom because of the significant configurability provided with our wide array of shafts, rotors and detents," says Satur Rapun, Applications Engineer with PIHER. "It is often difficult for engineers to locate all the features they want in a 15mm package size, but we can meet their exact requirements to this small size by tooling either a rotor, shaft and detent configuration." Smaller diameter versions of 6 and 10mm have been developed for size constrained applications.
In developing the PS15, PIHER's engineers paid particular attention to the surface mount land patterns (footprints or pads) that define the locations where components are soldered to the PC board. The PS15's land patterns have been optimized to maximize solder joint strength, clean ability, testability, and repair - all critical features in the overall produceablity of the board assembly.
The PS15 Rotary Position Sensor offers application for both feedback and control where frequent adjustment or feedback is required. The shaftless design allows for employment of different engagement mechanisms, such as a customized shaft, a motor control, a human interface adjustment, or a mechanical arm position locator. The sensor can also control variable outputs including frequency, change in motor speed or volume. Typical applications include test and measurement equipment, consumer electronics, appliances, small engines, robotics, motion controllers, and medical equipment control panels.
Housed in a dust-proof enclosure, the PS15 comes standard with a 240 degree electrical angle, 10k life cycle, and linear, log and anti-log electrical tapers. Other performance characteristics include a rotational angle of 265°±5 °, an operating temperature of -40°+ 85°C, and tolerances of ±30%. In addition to the wide selection of rotors and detents, 14 different shafts and thumbwheels are available in nine colors in either standard or UL94 compatible plastic. Available options include SPDT switch, 100k life cycle, custom tapers, measured linearity, and different electrical angles. The device is both RoHS and REACH compliant.
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