Sensors 2011, 11(5), 5508-5519; doi:10.3390/s110505508
Article

Design and Analysis of a Differential Waveguide Structure to Improve Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensors

Yongjie Zhangemail, Weiwen Liuemail, Haibo Zhangemail, Jinfeng Yangemail and Hui Zhao* email
School of Electronic, Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 18 March 2011; in revised form: 17 May 2011 / Accepted: 18 May 2011 / Published: 20 May 2011
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)
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Abstract: Magnetostrictive linear position sensors (MLPS) are high-precision sensors used in the industrial field for measuring the propagation time of ultrasonic signals in a waveguide. To date, MLPS have attracted widespread attention for their accuracy, reliability, and cost-efficiency in performing non-contact, multiple measurements. However, the sensor, with its traditional structure, is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which affects accuracy. In the present study, we propose a novel structure of MLPS that relies on two differential waveguides to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, common-mode rejection ratio, and accuracy of MLPS. The proposed sensor model can depict sensor performance and the relationship of sensor parameters. Experimental results with the new sensor indicate that the new structure can improve accuracy to ±0.1 mm higher than ±0.2 mm with a traditional structure. In addition, the proposed sensor shows a considerable improvement in temperature characteristics.
Keywords: linear position sensors; magnetostrictive device; differential waveguides

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Cite This Article

MDPI and ACS Style

Zhang, Y.; Liu, W.; Zhang, H.; Yang, J.; Zhao, H. Design and Analysis of a Differential Waveguide Structure to Improve Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensors. Sensors 2011, 11, 5508-5519.

AMA Style

Zhang Y, Liu W, Zhang H, Yang J, Zhao H. Design and Analysis of a Differential Waveguide Structure to Improve Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensors. Sensors. 2011; 11(5):5508-5519.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhang, Yongjie; Liu, Weiwen; Zhang, Haibo; Yang, Jinfeng; Zhao, Hui. 2011. "Design and Analysis of a Differential Waveguide Structure to Improve Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensors." Sensors 11, no. 5: 5508-5519.

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