Florence, KY – Balluff has introduced the first of its new Micropulse Generation 7 linear position transducers, featuring improved measurement and environmental specifications, longer lengths, and more flexible setup than previous models. Debuting in the analog rod style housing, Generation 7 is available in two versions, Micropulse and Micropulse Plus. Micropulse is fully backward compatible with Balluff’s Generation 5 products, yet delivers better measurement performance and environmental ratings. The advanced version Micropulse Plus features flexible output scaling and configuration using a PC interface.

Performance improvements include stroke lengths to 300 in. with the maximum non-linearity cut in half. This features ±50 µm for nominal strokes less than 500mm,  ±0.01% of full scale for 500 to 5500mm, and ±0.02% of full scale from 5501mm to 7600mm.

Shock ratings are to 150g and vibration rating to 20g. EMC severity for static, RF, burst, and line noise is Level 3; for surge, Level 2 and magnetic field immunity to Level 4. Additionally, housing protection is to IP68 for pre-wired cables and IP67 for connector models.

Other improvements allow easier and more flexible configuration options during setup. Dual bi-color LEDs handle double duty for diagnostics and as a setup aid for pushbutton scaling of the position outputs. Communicating to a PC over standard USB, Micropulse Plus outputs can be scaled, inverted, and configured for single- or two-magnet position, velocity, or differential position between two magnets.

Intuitive software features a simple-to-use graphical interface that allows drag-and-drop adjustment of the output characteristics. Configuration files can be saved for backup, replication, or for emailing to remote locations. Manual adjustment without a PC is also possible using the included pushbutton tool and simplified setup procedure that minimizes button-pushing complexity while maximizing operational flexibility. For more information, visit www.balluff.com/btl7-z.

Read about linear encoders —
including various ways to measue linear distances, how linear encoders improve accuracy, the first consideration in choosing a linear encoder, and IoT functionality with linear encoders — at linearmotiontips.com/category/linear-encoders.