Micronor Sensors, Inc.  

With an unprecedented small size, the 4-channel FiSpec FBGX400 interrogator integrates all necessary components for the analysis of up to 120 fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, max 30 FBGs per channel. Each channel operates independently and allows sampling rate up to 100 Hz regardless of the number of FBGs and channels connected.  Its compact and energy-efficient design enables FBG based applications where space and power is limited. 

Depending on the Capillary option selected, Temperature designated FBGs have a measurement range of -40°C to +600°, with 0.1°C precision and 0.001°C resolution.  For strain monitoring, the measure range is ± 6300 με, with 1 με precision and 0.01 με resolution.

The FBGX400 interrogator operates in the 850nm window compatible with SM800-based FBG sensor chains. It is a fully integrated FBG Interrogator with embedded light source, spectrometer, and on-board processing.  The product incorporates a dual function Micro USB which provides both 5VDC power and supports communications.  A serial UART port is also available with connection for both serial communications and 5V DC power input.

Multipoint SM800 FBG sensor chains are available optimized for the user’s application.  The customer’s configuration defines: (1) temperature or strain measurement, (2) number of FBGs, (3) type and length of lead-in, (4) narrow or wide spectral range (FBGX100 requires wide option),  (5) FBG spacing, (6) capillary option and length(bare fiber, silica, PEEK or SS) , (7) lead-out length, and (8) special wavelength assignments (when required).  Each FBG is about 1mm wide and can be spaced as close as 1mm apart. FBG sensors chains (each with unique wavelength assignment) can be daisy chained (via connector or splice) for special applications.

The compact Bench Top FOTEMP-PLUS is a 1-4 channel fiber optic thermometer suitable for the end user or oem applications. Together with the TS series fiber optic temperature sensors, the FOTEMP-PLUS thermometer system is the ideal solution for monitoring temperature in microwave, high frequency, high voltage, magnetic or aggressive environments where metal temperature sensors (RTC, TC, etc.) are either inaccurate, slow or hazardous.

The measurement principle is based on the inherent optical properties of gallium arsenide (GaAs) with temperature. The TS series fiber optic temperature probes are true absolute temperature sensors consisting of a gallium arsenide (GaAs) crystal that is mounted on the end of an optical fiber. The diagram above illustrates how the fiber optic temperature measurement system works. A broadband light source is coupled into the fiber and impinges on the crystal. GaAs behaves like a temperature sensitive cut-off filter in which the crystal absorbs some light and transmits other light. The characteristic edge, or transition wavelength, between the reflected and transmitted spectrum is directly related to the band gap energy, and hence the absolute temperature.

The TS series sensors are offered in different configurations optimized for a a particular operating environment or application – food, process industries, microwave, harsh chemical, semiconductor, and medical.

The fiber optic thermometer FOTEMP-PLUS is available with 1, 2 or 4 measurement channels. With a built-in USB interface as standard, the product offers a second interface option of RS232 or RS485/Modbus RTU. Other FOTEMP models offer Ethernet/ModbusTCP interface option.

There is also a choice of voltage or current analog outputs. Real-time data collection is accomplished with the supplied FOTEMP-ASSISTANT graphical display/data logging software. An update rate of 250ms per active channel allows for fast response.

The software will also recognize multiple FOTEMP units connected to a single PC via their unique USB Virtual Com Port (VCP) assignments -  providing an effective multi-multi-channel measurement capability, i.e. two FOTEMP4-PLUS units appear as an 8-channel measurement system.

Micronor Sensors offers the 4-Channel FOTEMP4-PLUS-P0-V-B is available in stock for purchase or rent.  A standard range of TS sensors  (TS2, TS2p, TS3, TS4, TS5) provide an complete off-the-shelf solution that can be quickly delivered to enable your temperature measurement needs.

What type of FO position sensor are you looking for?

• FO Absolute Encoders (aka position sensor) output position via SSI or analog output of Modbus.
• FO Incremental Encoders output A/B quadrature signals for monitoring speed or relative position.
• FO Microswitches output a digital logic signal or open/close relay contacts when the system has reached a discrete position or mechanical state.
• FO E-Stop allows a remote operator to manually signal an emergency state by outputing a digital logic signal or by opening/closing relay contacts.
• Fiber optic sensors are available based on either SM/MM Glass (GOF) or Polymer (POF) optical technology, typically depending on the distance required between the sensor and the controller.

Which attribute(s) best describe your need for a fiber optic encoder or limit switch? Here are some applications and their reasons for using a fiber optic sensor:

• MEDICAL. Non-metallic MRI safe sensors enable fMRI functionality and medical device development. Applications include MRI cradle position, MRI phantoms, and MRI-guide biopsy and surgical robots.
• ENERGY. Utility and energy applications require immunity to high voltage and all dialectric design. Fiber optic encoders can monitor tap changer position, switchgear state, generator and top drive speed.
• INDUSTRIAL. Industrial applications benefit from fiber’s interference feedback and inherent safety. A few examples include welding robots, smelters, mines, chemical plants and food processing.
• TRANSPORTATION. Electric railways, aerial trams, and aerospace benefit from the passive sensors’s electrical isolation and immunity to high  voltage and lightning.
• MINING. Fiber optic position sensors provide inherent safety as well as can traverse the distances needed to monitor and control underground boring equipment and long conveyor systems.
• INFRASTRUCTURE. Fiber optic position sensors traverse the distances needed to monitor and control lift bridges, dams, floodgates, sluice gates, and hydroelectric plants.

Here are the Micronor FO Sensors products to consider:

ABSOLUTE POSITION SENSORS

Products: MR330  (14-bit High Resolution, GOF); MR430 (13-bit resolution, POF)

Fiber optic absolute position sensors (a.k.a. absolute encoders) are used where it is necessary to track absolute angular or linear position. These rotary encoders measure absolute angular position from 0° to 360° (13-bit or 14-bit resolution) depending on model) plus multi-turn tracking up to 12 bits (4096 turns). Absolute encoders output position as a digital value, SSI, RS485, Modbus RTU, and USB. Also scaleable analog 4-20mA Current and Voltage outputs.

INCREMENTAL ENCODERS

Products: MR340 (up to 1024ppr resolution, GOF)

Fiber optic incremental encoders are used to sense speed or relative position of a motor shaft or linear actuator. Unlike electronic-based encoder outputs which are easily corruptible by noise, fiber optic quadrature signals are inherently immune to EMI, RFI and ground loops. The optical link allows interference free transmission up to 2000 meters, especially useful in mining applications and similar Ex applications where inherent safety is required. Rotary sensor resolution is available to 1024ppr and linear encoder resolution to 100μm.

LIMIT SWITCHES AND E-ESTOP

Products: MR386 (Microswitch, GOF), MR387 (E-Stop, GOF and POF)

Micronor offers discrete fiber optic signaling solutions for use in a wide range of medical, industrial, research, safety and security-related applications. These fiber optic sensors are especially ideal for potentially (Ex) explosive atmospheres such as mines, petrochemical and processing plants where inherent safety is required.

Micronor specializes in fiber optic kinetic sensors for feedback in mechanical motion applications where immunity to interference, voltage, RF, microwaves, magnetic fields, and/or radiation is required:

• POSITION, absolute rotary and linear sensors
• MOTION, incremental rotary and linear sensors
• SIGNALING & SECURITY, E-Stop, microswitch, key switch, pushbutton and manhole sensor
• ACCELERATION, Multiaxis acceleration sensors for real-time vibration analysis
• TEMPERATURE, Fiber optic thermometers and multipoint FBGs for industry, medical, research and OEM
• STRAIN, Multipoint FBGs for industry, medical, research and OEM

By definition, a fiber optic sensor consists of the passive Sensor, active Signal Condition/Controller and the fiber optic link that connects them. The Controller is active, sourcing light to the Sensor and interrogating the return light signal according to its underlying optical principle. The Controller provides standard electrical interfaces that make the fiber optic aspect of the system transparent to the user’s control system. Hence, a FO absolute encoder outputs position via SSI or analog output, an incremental encoder outputs A/B quadrature signals or analog output for monitoring speed or relative position, an emergency stop provides relay contacts for control, and a temperature sensor system outputs digital values via USB in °F or °C units. Sensors are available based on either SM/MM Glass (GOF) or Polymer (POF) optical fiber link technology.

Some applications and the fiber optic sensor attributes which enable them:

• MEDICAL. Non-metallic MRI safe sensors enable fMRI functionality and medical device development. Applications include MRI cradle position, MRI phantoms, and MRI-guide biopsy and surgical robots.
• ENERGY. Utility and energy applications require immunity to high voltage and all dialectric design. Fiber optic encoders can monitor tap changer position, switchgear state, generator and top drive speed.
• INDUSTRIAL. Industrial applications benefit from fiber’s interference feedback and inherent safety. A few examples include welding robots, smelters, mines, chemical plants and food processing.
• TRANSPORTATION. Electric railways, aerial trams, and aerospace benefit from the passive sensors’s electrical isolation and immunity to high  voltage and lightning.
• MINING. Fiber optic position sensors provide inherent safety as well as can traverse the distances needed to monitor and control underground boring equipment and long conveyor systems.
• INFRASTRUCTURE. Fiber optic position sensors traverse the distances needed to monitor and control lift bridges, dams, floodgates, sluice gates, and hydroelectric plants.

PRODUCTS

POSITION SENSORS AND ENCODERS
Absolute Encoder: MR330  (14-bit High Resolution, GOF); MR430 (13-bit resolution, POF)
Incremental Encoder: MR340 (Up to 1024ppr resolution. GOF)
Limit Switch: MR386 (GOF)

SIGNALING
Microswitch: MR386 (GOF)
E-Stop:  MR387 (E-Stop, SM/MM GOF and POF)

MULTI_AXIS ACCELERATION & VIBRATION
Accelerometer: MR660 (1 to 3 axis, GOF)

TEMPERATURE
High Precision GaAs: FOTEMP series signal conditioners and TS series temperature probes
Multipoint: FiSPec interrogators and FBG sensor chains

STRAIN
Multipoint: FiSPec interrogators and FBG sensor chains