Potentiometric linear sensors

Potentiometric linear sensors, also known as linear potentiometers, linear position sensors either linear displacement sensors, These are transducers used to continuously measure the position of a moving element using an analog signal proportional to the displacement.

This technology is based on the voltage divider principle and stands out for offering absolute position measurement, high resolution, great stability and easy integration into industrial automation systems, machinery, test benches and control equipment.

Potentiometric linear sensors are one of the most widely used solutions for linear displacement measurement thanks to their excellent balance between performance, reliability and cost, being especially suitable for applications where it is necessary to know the position of cylinders, actuators, carriages, linear guides or moving mechanisms.

Applications of linear potentiometric sensors

• Linear displacement measurement in industrial machinery.
• Position control in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.
• Process automation and OEM machinery.
• Test benches and control systems.
• Manufacturing and assembly machines.
• Applications with probe, ball joints or guided mounting.
• Stroke control in linear actuators.
• Industrial instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
• Building automation and special systems.

Advantages of industrial linear potentiometers

• Absolute position measurement without the need for a reference.
• Direct analog signal that is easy to integrate.
• High resolution and excellent repeatability.
• High immunity to electromagnetic interference.
• Wide variety of routes and mechanical formats.
• Versions for demanding industrial applications.
• Simple installation and start-up.
• Excellent cost/performance ratio.

Differences compared to other linear measurement technologies

Potentiometric linear sensors compete with other position measurement technologies such as magnetostrictive, inductive, LVDT, and linear encoder sensors. Their main advantage is their ease of integration and the direct generation of an analog signal proportional to the position without the need for complex electronics.

Furthermore, they provide an absolute measure of position, meaning that the output value is recovered immediately after a power interruption, without the need for reference sequences or source search.

Available models

At Guemisa we supply industrial potentiometric linear sensors from manufacturers such as Novotechnik and Gefran, available in different construction formats:

• Linear sensors with guided rod.
• Linear sensors with probe and spring return.
• Linear sensors with mechanical ball joints.
• Compact linear sensors for confined spaces.
• Linear sensors for short and long travel distances.
• Versions with IP65 and IP67 protection.

We have solutions for travel distances from a few millimeters to more than one meter, adapted to applications in automation, hydraulics, pneumatics, industrial machinery and position control.