1. Althensensors
  2. Sensors
  3. Rotary position sensors

Rotary position sensors

Precise and cost-efficient angle measurement

Rotary position sensors enable precise angle measurements. Rotation sensors transform mechanical rotary positions into electrical signals. Sensors for detecting changes in angle and direction of rotation are also called incremental encoders or rotary encoders. Althen provides rotary position sensors based on differential transformers, as well as inductive sensors and rotary potentiometers. We also develop custom solutions for you. Our sensors have measurement ranges between 10° and 360°.

Lineair rotary position sensors form Althen Sensors enable precise angle measurements. Rotation sensors transform mechanical rotary positions into electrical signals.
  • Independent and free consultation
  • Customisable design
  • integrable into your system

Products

Rotary potentiometers

Rotary potentiometers

  • Measuring range 360° to 3.600°
  • Various options in measurement principle
  • Motion control & position determination
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Rotary magnetic hall effect sensors

Rotary magnetic Hall effect sensors

  • Measuring range 360° to 3.600°
  • Contactless measurement principle
  • High performance & EMS durable
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Rotary encoders

Rotary encoders

  • Resolution from 5 bit to 2/36.000 pulse/revolution
  • Convert angular position to analogue / digital data
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Rotary inductive position sensors

Rotary inductive position sensors

  • Measuring range 0° to 160°
  • Infinite resolution & long rotational life
  • Wide range operating temperatures
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RVDT sensors

RVDT sensors

  • Measuring range 0º to 120º
  • Contactless angular position measurement
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Intrinsically safe inductive rotary sensors

Intrinsically safe inductive rotary sensors

  • Measuring range 5º to 160º
  • Approved for use in harsh environments
  • Excellent linearity down to ≤ ±0.1%
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Customised Rotary position sensors

Our offer to you

We offer standard rotary position sensors but can also help you with a customized desin or a complete measurement solution.

Find out more now

Simply send us your contact details and tell us what you are looking for. Our sales specialists will get in touch with you to help you explore your options

  • Fast processing
  • Cost-effective
  • Customised to your needs
  • Always the right solution

What advantages do our rotary position sensors offer?

  • Long service life;
  • High precision;
  • Wear-free operation;
  • Compact form factor;
  • Cost effective;
  • Can be configured to suit specific requirements; custom sensors available;
  • Intrinsically safe ATEX rotary position sensors for hazardous environments available;
  • Rotary potentiometers for OEM applications (single-turn and multi-turn rotary position sensors).

Possible applications for rotary position sensors

  • Machines (e.g. paper and pulp industry)
  • Drive technology
  • Automotive industry
  • Aerospace industry
  • Assembly and handling technology
  • Conveyor technology
  • Measuring and testing technology

Althen Sensors & Controls has established itself as a reliable provider of rotary position sensors, offering a range of high-precision solutions with unique features tailored to meet the needs of diverse industries. With a commitment to quality, durability, and innovation, Althen continues to play a pivotal role in advancing technology across various sectors through its cutting-edge sensor solutions.

Classic or individual

Althen offers you a wide range of angle sensors based on different technologies. Classic rotary angle sensors (also known as angle sensors, inductive sensors or protractors) work according to the principle of the differential transformer (LVDT). The rotary angle sensors from Althen are a special form of LVDTs, so-called RVDTs (Rotary Variable Differential Transformer). They can be individually configured and have a very long service life. Our customers often use them for hydraulic servos in ailerons in aerospace technology and in engine and fuel system controls. Potentiometric rotary position sensors are divided into two groups according to their design: single-turn and multi-turn rotary position sensors. Both are frequently used in OEM applications.

  • Large selection
    We offer you a large selection of rotary position sensors, based on different technologies.
  • OEM suitable
    We design the right OEM rotary position sensor for your application.
  • ATEX certified
    Intrinsically safe EX angle sensors and angle sensors for hazardous areas available.
  • High accuracy
    The measuring range of our sensors is between 10° and 360°.

High-precision rotary position measurement

Althen offers a broad selection of rotary position sensors based on different technologies.

Conventional rotary position sensors
(also: angle sensors, inductive sensors, goniometers) are based on the principle of differential transformers (LVDT). Althen rotary position sensors are a special type of LVDTs called RVDTs (rotary variable differential transformers). They can be configured to suit specific needs and are very durable. Our customers typically use them in hydraulic servos for control surfaces in aerospace engineering, or for controlling engines and fuel systems.

Rotary potentiometers
can be divided into two categories: single-turn and multi-turn rotary position sensors. Both are commonly used in OEM applications. They are available in small or medium quantities at relatively low cost.

How do rotary position sensors work?

Every rotary position sensor has a primary coil and two secondary coils. The transmitter core works contactless and is mounted on high-quality bearings, so that the rotary position sensor offers effectively wear-free operation. These inductive sensors require alternating current supply voltage.

Inductive sensors

Other sensors in our portfolio use advanced inductive technology. These rotary position sensors (also: angle sensors, inductive sensors, rotation sensors) have only one secondary coil. The stable, non-linear output signal is linearized using application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC). Integrated amplifiers output the signal as an analogue voltage or current signal. For optimum measuring results, choose from a broad range of different operating voltages and output signals. A special version featuring a Zener barrier is certified for use in explosive hazard environments. We supply these intrinsically safe ATEX rotary position sensors for Ex II 1G, Ex II 1GD, and Ex i/II M1/1GD hazard zones.

Rotary potentiometers

For OEM applications, we supply small and medium quantities of rotary potentiometers. Based on their mechanical properties, they can be divided into two categories:Our single-turn rotary position sensors have a measurement range of 360 degrees. They are available with or without a mechanical stop at the end of the rotation. A change in resistance depicts the measurement range of 360 degrees as 0 to 5 kOhm.Multi-turn rotary position sensors can measure beyond the 360 degree limit of a single turn. Multi-turn rotary position sensors have a range of 1800 degrees (5 full revolutions) and map this entire range onto a change in resistance of e.g. 5000 Ohm.

Angle of rotation sensors for every application: what sets us apart

We have the right rotary position sensor for every application. We are happy to support you in your selection. At Althen, we draw on more than 40 years of experience to offer you the optimum solution: fully customised to your requirements. This also includes customised angle sensors as a complete package. The advantage for you is that we are not tied to one manufacturer and can advise you independently. On request, we can customise the measuring system exactly to your needs. Do you have any questions? We are glad to help you!

Our sensors in action

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Our Services

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Hessel Tijseling

Technical Sales Engineer