LRT Sensors designs and manufactures a non-contact linear position redundant sensor using our patented DIST (Distributed Impedance Sensor Technology) technology.
Reason For Choosing The DIST Sensor As Linear Position Redundant Sensor
In many applications it is sometimes desirable to deploy multiple sensors making identical measurements of the same motion. In a dual redundant system (two sensors), when both sensors produce the same result the data are assumed to be accurate. If the two sensors disagree, then the data from both sensors are suspect and must be disregarded.
With a triple redundant system (three sensors), when at least two of the sensors agree, the system can continue operation based on the values of the two sensors in agreement and the value from the third sensor is ignored. With LVDT’s and magnetostrictive sensors, redundant systems can be deployed only by installing two or three separate sensors and then mechanically coupling each of them to the same movable object. This linkage introduces errors due to differences in alignment, backlash (lost motion) and other imperfect attributes of the mechanical coupling. By comparison, the DIST sensor has the ability to make a true double or triple redundant measurement without any need for separate linkages and only a small increase in the physical size of the sensor.
The DIST sensor is a simple, economical and compact device that can make accurate and reliable linear measurements in almost any environment with only a single wire for power and signal. It has few components with no wear parts and is extremely robust and reliable. However, in some critical applications redundancy may still be desirable. The DIST sensor’s ability to perform a true double or triple redundant measurement with only a slight expansion of its physical size is both practical and elegant.
To learn more about how the DIST sensor functions as a linear position redundant sensor, download our white paper DIST Linear Non-Contact Position Sensors Used in Applications Requiring Redundancy