New linear position transducers with magnetostrictive technology

The new WPA-E and WRA-E linear position transducers with Hyperwave magnetostrictive technology and EtherCAT interface from Gefran represent an important extension of the communication interfaces with RTE connectivity in the Provaglio d'Iseo (Brescia, Italy) manufacturer's linear sensor portfolio, thanks to the implementation of the CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE) protocol. Tailor-made high performance combined with one of the fastest Industrial Ethernet technologies are the key features of the new devices, according to the Brescia-based company.

Thanks to EtherCAT's "on-the-fly" principle, each node can read and write its own data in the Ethernet frame without interrupting the frame's progress on the network, thus improving bandwidth utilisation. These features, combined with Gefran's Hyperwave technology, result in high measurement performance. Both versions of the non-contact Advanced series feature travels from 50 to 4,000 mm, position and speed measurement and up to 16 independent cursors. The WPA-E units have an aluminium profile and are quickly mounted with steel brackets, while the WRA-E units have an AISI 316 rod, nipple and hexagonal flange.