Smart sensor has multiple personalities

Software adds new flexibility to sensor system

A time-honored method of dealing with certain problems is by throwing "more" at it -- more stakes to hold down a tent against winds, more bracing to strengthen an architectural design, and in the case of detection with sensors, more sensors. The downside, of course, is more expense and an increased complexity that can become counter-productive.

The KµDA (pronounced like barra-cuda) sensor system from Kaman Instrumentation Corp., Colorado Springs, CO, offers a way out of the morass of more. The name is actually an acronym for Kaman's Micro Digital Advantage, and the key to the line is the application of software tools to solve a broad array of position sensing tasks, making it possible to equip areas requiring sensors with a minimum of multi-tasking devices. Microprocessor-based and software-controlled, KµDA features high-performance eddy-current sensing technology that makes precise displacement measurements, and performs math and other user-defined functions to capture and analyze events. One signal conditioner operates the entire family of standard sensors.

KµDA contains a 32-bit microprocessor and advanced signal conditioning electronics. An internal memory can be accessed via PC or other digital interface with linearity or temperature data, and then the system is left to run on standalone. Users can directly read out parameters such as TIR, thickness, OD, ID and centerline running position. Calibration is a simple, six-step process, and all the displacement sensors in the series are highly stable and repeatable and are ideal for metal targets, with the ability to read rotating shafts through an oil film.

One suggested application for the multi-tasking system is in controlling calendar roll gap in web thickness/rolling equipment. While any dual-channel measurement system can be used to measure the gap, KµDA additionally offers push button taring for installation and setup, measurement of bearing and roller wear over time, programmable "wear remaining" calculation, and programmable alarm limits that also can be set to distinguish between different events.

--RM

For more information, contact Kaman Instrumentation Corp., 1500 Garden of the Gods Road, PO Box 33010, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-3010. 1-800-552-6267, or 719-599-1132 http://www.kamaninstrumentation.com Circle 455.