TX2 with ball joints – Novotechnik potentiometric linear position sensor

He Novotechnik TX2 potentiometric linear position sensor with ball joints It is designed to measure the absolute and continuous displacement, travel, or position of moving mechanisms. The TX2 series is available with defined travels of 25 to 300 mm and combines a compact design of only 16 mm in diameter with protection IP67 for demanding industrial applications.

The mechanical execution TX2-…-716-002 incorporates two pre-assembled low-play ball joints which allow compensation for angular misalignments of up to ±12.5°. This configuration facilitates mounting between moving elements and helps to reduce the transmission of lateral forces to the sensor stem.

• Measurement: absolute linear position and displacement.
• Routes: 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mm.
• Mounting: two pre-assembled low-play ball joints.
• Angular compensation: up to ±12.5°.
• Repeatability: ≤ ±0.01 mm.
• Maximum speed: 5 m/s.
• Protection: IP67.
• Shelf life: typically exceeding 50 million movements.
• Connection: M8x1 connector or 2m shielded PUR cable.

Linear position and displacement sensor for industrial applications

A linear position sensor It allows for the continuous monitoring of the position of an element moving in a straight line. In the Novotechnik TX2, the measurement is performed using a resistive element made of conductive plastic and a multi-wire cursor made of precious metal, generating an electrical signal proportional to the position of the stem.

Unlike a proximity sensor that only detects certain points, the TX2 potentiometric linear transducer It provides continuous position information throughout its entire range. Furthermore, because it is an absolute measurement, the position is available directly without the need for a reference search after each start-up.

What are the ball heads on the Novotechnik TX2 used for?

The two ball joints of the version TX2-…-716-002 They allow the sensor to be attached directly between two points on a moving mechanism. Their main advantage is their ability to absorb small alignment variations between the mounting points, accommodating angular misalignments of up to ±12.5°.

This is especially useful when measuring the travel of a cylinder, arm, lever, or articulated mechanism, and the two mounting points do not remain perfectly aligned throughout the movement. The ball joints simplify installation and help reduce lateral loads transmitted to the sensor's stem and bearings.

Measuring the stroke of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders

One of the applications of the TX2 is the External measurement of the stroke of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. The sensor can be installed parallel to the movement of the cylinder, fixing its ball joints to the corresponding moving elements, so that the extension or retraction causes a proportional displacement of the sensor stem.

This configuration allows for continuous stroke or position measurement without integrating the sensor inside the cylinder. To select the appropriate model, the maximum stroke, mounting geometry, and any potential misalignment during movement must be checked.

IP67 linear sensor for mobile machinery and industrial environments

The Novotechnik TX2 has a body of 16 mm diameter anodized aluminum and an AISI 303 stainless steel stem. Its IP67 protection, along with vibration resistance up to 20 g and impact resistance of 50 g, allows it to be used in applications exposed to humidity, oil, dust and dirt.

These characteristics make it especially suitable for agricultural machinery, construction machinery, forestry equipment, industrial vehicles, lifting systems, mobile machinery and automation mechanisms where it is necessary to continuously measure a position or displacement.

Potentiometric output via voltage divider

The TX2 is a potentiometric position sensor and should be used as a voltage divider. By energizing the ends of the resistive element, the cursor provides a voltage proportional to the position of the stem.

The maximum permissible voltage is 42 VDC and the recommended operating current on the cursor is ≤ 1 µA. To maintain the specified values of linearity, lifetime and temperature coefficient, the input used to read the signal must present a practically zero load on the cursor.

When the installation requires a standardized industrial signal for a PLC, the TX2 can be used in conjunction with a Novotechnik MUP-110 or MUP-160 signal conditioner to obtain, depending on the selected electronics, a signal of 0…10 V, 0…20 mA or 4…20 mA.

Models and references of the Novotechnik TX2 with ball heads

The TX2 with ball heads is available with defined travels of 25 to 300 mm and can be supplied with M8x1 3-pole radial connector, code 101, or with 2-meter radial shielded PUR cable, code 202. The nominal resistance and linearity depend on the selected path.

How to choose the right TX2 reference

To select a Novotechnik TX2 with ball heads, the following must be determined primarily: the distance to be measured and the type of electrical connection. The chosen path must be compatible with the actual maximum displacement of the application and with the geometry of the assembly.

• Select a tour 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250 or 300 mm.
• The code 101 Identify the version with a 3-pole M8x1 radial connector.
• The code 202 Identify the version with 2m shielded radial PUR cable.
• The mechanical code 716 This corresponds to the configuration with two pre-mounted ball joints.
• The code 002 This corresponds to the linearized resistive element.

For example, the reference TX2-0200-716-002-101 It corresponds to a TX2 with a defined travel of 200 mm, mounted using two ball joints, a linearized resistive element, and a 3-pole M8x1 radial connector. Its Novotechnik article code is 037108.

Typical applications of the Novotechnik TX2 sensor

• Absolute measurement of position and linear displacement.
• Measuring the stroke of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.
• Position control in mobile machinery and industrial vehicles.
• Agricultural machinery and forestry equipment.
• Construction and earthmoving machinery.
• Lifting and material handling equipment.
• Articulated mechanisms with possible angular misalignments.
• Industrial automation and position feedback.
• Test benches and dynamic measurement systems.
• Applications exposed to moisture, oil, dust, and dirt.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Novotechnik TX2

Does the TX2 measure absolute position?

Yes. The TX2 uses a potentiometric measurement principle and directly provides a signal proportional to the stem position, without the need for a reference search after each start-up.

Does the TX2 have a 4–20 mA output?

Not directly. The TX2 provides a potentiometric output as a voltage divider. If the installation requires a signal of 4…20 mA, 0…20 mA or 0…10 V, a suitable signal conditioner can be used.

Can the TX2 be connected directly to a PLC?

It can be connected to an input capable of accurately measuring the potentiometric signal without loading the cursor. If the PLC requires a standard analog input of 0–10 V or 4–20 mA, a compatible signal conditioner must be used.

What is the difference between a potentiometric sensor and a proximity sensor?

A proximity sensor typically detects presence or arrival at a specific point. The TX2 performs a continuous position measurement, Therefore, it allows you to know at all times where the mechanism is located along the sensor's path.

GUEMISA can help you select the correct TX2 reference depending on the route, type of connection, mounting geometry and acquisition system or PLC used in the application.