Contactless position sensors are used in a variety of applications, including race cars, where they are used to measure steering angle and pedal angle. These sensors are highly reliable and accurate, and they can withstand the harsh conditions of racing.
One of the key advantages of contactless position sensors is that they are redundant. This means that they have two or more independent power supplies, so that if one fails, the other can continue to provide accurate data. This is important and mandatory in race cars, where any sensor failure can be costly and even dangerous.
You can buy Piher rendundant or full redundant hall effect position sensors (separate power supplies) or you can even stack several simple sensors following Piher’s advise.
Contactless position sensors can also measure up to 360 degrees of electrical angle. This is important for race car steering sensors, as they need to be able to measure the full range of steering motion. Piher can also manufacture multiturn position sensors for steering wheels.
Here are some of the benefits of using contactless position sensors in race cars:
- Reliability: Contactless position sensors are highly reliable and can withstand the harsh conditions of racing.
- Accuracy: Contactless position sensors are very accurate, even at high speeds.
- Redundancy: Contactless position sensors are often redundant, so that if one core fails, the other sensing core can continue to provide accurate data.
- 360-degree measurement: Contactless position sensors can measure up to 360 degrees of electrical angle, which is important for race car steering sensors.
How contactless position sensors work
Contactless position sensors use a variety of technologies to measure position, but the most common technology is Hall effect sensing. Hall effect sensors use a magnetic field to measure the position of a target.
The contactless position sensor is typically mounted on a shaft or axle, and the target is attached to the shaft or axle. The magnetic field generated by the sensor interacts with the target to create a voltage signal. The voltage signal is proportional to the position of the target.
Contactless position sensors use a variety of technologies to measure position, but the most common technology is Hall effect sensing. Hall effect sensors use a magnetic field to measure the position of a target.
The contactless position sensor is typically mounted on a shaft or axle, and the target is attached to the shaft or axle. The magnetic field generated by the sensor interacts with the target to create a voltage signal. The voltage signal is proportional to the position of the target.
Applications for contactless position sensors in race cars
Contactless position sensors are used in a variety of applications in race cars, including:
- Steering sensors: Contactless position sensors are used to measure steering angle. This information is used by the engine control unit (ECU) to control traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and other vehicle systems.
- Pedal angle sensors: Contactless position sensors are used to measure throttle and brake pedal angle. This information is used by the ECU to control the engine and braking system.
- Suspension sensors: Contactless position sensors are used to measure the position of the suspension components. This information is used by the ECU to control the ride height and damping of the suspension.
Contactless position sensors are an essential part of modern race cars. They provide reliable and accurate measurement of steering angle, pedal angle, and suspension position. This information is used by the ECU to control the engine, braking system, and other vehicle systems.
