The Micronor Sensors Booth 609 will feature hands-on demonstration of fiber optic sensors, specifically for position, temperature and strain.
WHEN DO I NEED A FIBER OPTIC SENSOR?
Fiber Optic Sensors are for operating environments where electronics-based sensors are hazardous or unreliable. These applications typically require immunity to emi/rfi, magnetic fields, electric fields, plasma fields, RF environments, microwave ovens, high voltage, radiation, and extended distances.
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 for industry, medical, research and OEM
- TEMPERATURE AND STRAIN, Fiber Bragg Grating interrogators and multipoint sensor chains for medical, industrial, structural, and OEM applications
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.
- PHARMA & FOOD PROCESSING. FO temperature sensors are non-metallic and can operate inside microwave ovens and microwave reactors.
- 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. FO temperature sensors can measure hot spots in transformers, bus bars and switchgear. FO acceleration sensors can monitor transformer end winding stress and internal vibration.
- SEMICONDUCTOR. FO temperature and strain sensors can operation in high voltage plasma, microwave, RF and high magnetic fields.
- 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.
- CIVIL. Multipoint FBG strain sensors can monitor strain, movement, and shifting in buildings, bridges, tunnels, composites, and other structures in advance of potential failure
- INFRASTRUCTURE. Fiber optic position sensors traverse the distances needed to monitor and control lift bridges, dams, floodgates, sluice gates, and hydroelectric plants.