Linear position sensor LFP

resistancepotentiometermetal

The sensors for linear positionmeasurement consist of anFR4 substrate and a collectorfoil, which are separated by aspacer.On the FR4 substrate, thepotentiometer track is appliedin a screen-printing process.On the opposite sheet, thecollector foil, a low-ohmiccollector track is printed. Amechanical pressure, usuallyperformed by a simple pin,contacts the potentiometertrack with the collector track.Novotechnik is firmly committed to a technology with FR4substrates. This techniqueallows the use of standardmethods of the potentiometertechnology. With our approvedscreen printing inks and asubsequent linearization step,high life data and very goodlinearity values can be achieved over the lifetime. When using the pin operatedversion, the cover sheet,which absorbs the forces ofthe actuating pin, is designedin the form of an FR4-Prepreg.Therefore the sensor can beoperated up to +125° Ctemperatures.Polyester based solutions,available on the market today,do not withstand these temperatures. They are not linearized and are also very critical inthe application, because evensmall dust particels betweenthe sensor and the adhesivesurface lead to failures.Membrane sensor potentiometers are very flat and canbe glued to plane surfaces inthe required form.Apart from linear designs arealso rotary systems producible. Another advantage is the hermetically sealed structure ofthe membrane sensor potentiometer. Dirt, dust or humiditycan not invade the sensor andtherefore the use in a difficultenvironment is possible.It must be emphasized that thehandling is very simple sincethe sensitive potentiometertrack is protected by the coversheet.