POSITAL’s LINARIX series: Precision draw-wire sensors for accurate linear-position measurement

The LINARIX series of rugged linear-position sensors

POSITAL-Fraba offers great industrial solutions, including the LINARIX series of rugged linear-position sensors. Also known as draw-wire sensors or cable-pull sensors, these instruments are designed to perform linear-position measurement with encoders for accurate sensing. The UBIFAST configuration tool allows users to define their required resolutions after choosing the desired measuring range.

Recommended for any application that involves linear displacement, the LINARIX line works for packaging, material handling, forklifts, overhead gantries, lifts, and flow-control gates in water-management systems.

Recent electronics, communications upgrades

Each model combines a multi-turn absolute rotary encoder with a robust draw-wire mechanism. As the wire is drawn off the device’s spool, the encoder measures shaft rotation and reports results to the control system. Connected to the draw wire, the encoder delivers a signal proportional to the cable that is pulled out. Draw-wire sensors provide an easy-to-install system with a wide range of interface options – as opposed to pinions and racks that require perfect alignment and soldering.

Since 2022, LINARIX devices have had extra-heavy-duty draw-wire mechanisms and a convenient pre-scaling option for models with analog communications interfaces. More recently, POSITAL has introduced more energy-efficient electronics and support for the SAE J1939 communications interface. The J1939 is commonly used in heavy trucks and construction equipment to control engines and other moving parts. With this interface, it is easier to integrate LINARIX linear-position sensors with the rest of an electronic control system.

Accurate and durable, the LINARIX series has draw-wire mechanisms rated for more than 1,000,000 cycles. The rotary encoders are based on non-contacting magnetic measurement technology that is immune to corrosion and wear, which can degrade accuracy in potentiometer-based draw-wire devices. Analog, DeviceNet, CANopen, and SSI output interfaces are available.

LINARIX sensors are programmed with analog output, so the output range spans the full measurement range of the draw-wire mechanism. Customers can specify the measurement ranges that their applications require. In this case, the sensors are pre-programmed at the plant, so the output range exactly matches the range of distances that the device encounters when it is functional – making setup and installation simpler.

For more information, contact POSITAL.

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