Universal Conditioning Module for inductive transducers

Penny + Giles, designer and manufacturer of high precision position sensors, has launched a new Universal Conditioning Module (UCM) that provides reliable signal conditioning for a wide range of analogue inductive transducer types. The module can work with any manufacturer’s transducer and is suitable to drive 4, 5 or 6 wire differential LVDTs, ratiometric LVDTs and 3 wire inductive half bridge transducers (or RVDT equivalents).

UCM has a low current requirement of less than 10mA and can be linked and synchronized with up to 50 modules in one network for multiple channel measurement systems. The UCM provides a simple 0.5 to 4.5Vdc analogue signal output, or by using additional module cards, into a variety of different voltage ranges, a current output, or digital PWM output. It normally operates from an unregulated 10 - 30Vdc supply.

The set-up is flexible, allowing users to adjust excitation voltage and frequency, operating mode, span output and zero position, as well as configuration for multiple synchronization. The unit is housed in a rugged die-cast aluminum alloy housing, suitable for harsh environmental conditions and electrically noisy installations, with EMC Immunity to 100V/m. The housing features an impressive environmental performance, with dust and fluid protection to IP68 and submersion to two meters. UCM is simple and easy to install. It is designed to be mounted on a bulkhead close to the transducer by using M5 screws through the mounting holes that are located under the housing lid. The supply, output and transducer connections are routed through two IP68 rated cable glands that can accommodate cable diameters of between three and eight mm.