Torque transducer technology can be integrated in critical power transmission components

A patented torque and force transducer technology called Pulsed Current Modulated Encoding (PCME) is now available from Ixthus Instrumentation.

Developed by German manufacturer NTC Engineering, the technology is designed to offer strong performance even in extreme temperatures and harsh environmental conditions. It is available in a range of standard products and can also be integrated directly in performance critical torque transmission components without the need to make functional design changes. Employing an effect known as inverse magnetostriction, the sensor determines torque and force at high bandwidths with accuracy and fine resolution. PCME technology comprises three key elements; a primary sensor such as a torque transmitting shaft which is processed to generate a directional magnetic field pattern when the force to be measured is applied, a secondary sensor unit which houses the measurement coils and a third signal processing and conditioning module that can be located at a distance from the sensing elements. These elements are available in standard pillow block and torquemeter designs with optional accuracy grades covering torques up to 3000nm, shaft speeds to 20,000rpm and bandwidth to 30kHz. Typical applications include load pins for shear force measurement on cranes, regulation and speed sensing for electric cycles, torque measurement on high speed wind turbine couplings, torque regulation on heavy duty materials processing and KERS torque measurement for Formula 1 motorsports.