Application Note
Hall-Effect Rotary Position Sensors
HRS Series
Background
The HRS Series uses Hall-effect technology to supply reliable
and repeatable angular position information. The use of this
magnetically coupled information, in place of a mechanical wiper
assembly, provides long life and a cost-effective solution for harsh
environments that include temperature, vibration, shock, dither,
moisture and dirt.
Potential Applications
TRANSPORTATION
Off-road vehicles and construction/agriculture vehicles/
equipment (See Figure 1.)
Gear shifter, joystick and throttle position*:
The sensor is
placed on the joint to measure how far forward (maximum) or
backward (to zero) the operator has moved the lever (i.e., gear
shifter, joystick or throttle) to the controller.
Customer benefit:
Allows user to have tighter control on the lever,
thereby enhancing speed control.
The HRS Series is packaged in a stainless steel metal housing
with a 9,5 mm [0.375 in] diameter unthreaded or threaded bushing
and a 6,35 mm [0.25 in] diameter stainless steel shaft. A variety of
termination types are available. Mounting hardware is available with
some catalog listings.
Solutions
These sensors may potentially be used in a variety of
Transportation and Industrial applications to detect position and
movement of vital control components to provide control/feedback
information. The HRS Series provides long life in the application,
low torque actuation for the user, and enhanced performance in the
harsh environments in which this equipment operates.
Pedal position*:
May be used to replace the mechanical cable
connection between the foot pedal and the engine in heavy duty
equipment and other vehicles. For example, a potentiometer may
be mounted adjacent to the pedal to measure how far down the
pedal is depressed/released by the operator. The sensor senses
the change in pedal position and sends a signal to the engine
to either increase/reduce the flow of gasoline and air across the
throttle plate, as needed.
Customer benefit:
May eliminate the mechanical cable, which
can stretch and rust, can improve engine control system response
that benefits the vehicle’s emission, as well as improve reliability,
and reduce excess weight in the vehicle. This type of drive-by-wire
system can be safer and less expensive than cable-connected
systems. Also provides more speed control when the pedal is
pushed down.
* Focus applications
6
5
1
2
1
2
3
3
4
5
6
4
Gear shifter, joystick,
and throttle position
Pedal position
Hitch location
Bucket/loader position
Steering position
Auto-pilot/drive-by-wire
system feedback
Figure 1. Potential HRS Series Transportation applications shown on a front loader
Sensing and Control
Application Note
Hall-Effect Rotary Position Sensors
HRS Series
Hitch location:
When an operator in a vehicle is towing a boat,
another vehicle, etc., that is on a trailer, a potentiometer may be
used to detect trailer position when the operator is backing the
trailer into a space (such as, parking area, boat slip, etc.). The
sensor provides feedback to an item (such as a back-up camera
in the cab that provides trailer positioning data) as to when the
operator is steering too far in one direction, too far to one side,
whether what is being pulled is drifting too far, or when the operator
is turning so sharply that the trailer will be pulled to the side.
Customer benefit:
Helps to prevents jack-knifing, which can occur
when the tow vehicle bends abruptly; simplifies operation
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial vehicle attachment position (i.e., forklift truck fork
tilt detection)
(See Figure 2.)
Machine control joystick position
(See Figure 3.)
Robotic arm position
(See Figure 4.)
Valve actuator position
(See Figure 5.)
Bucket/loader position:
Depending on use, may be used to
detect position of an accessory (such as a shovel or fork) that is
attached to a piece of heavy duty equipment and other vehicles.
Customer benefit:
Enhances load leveling; ensures that the
operator doesn’t have the bucket too low or too high, improving
operation efficiency and safety; improves equipment life because it
prevents damage to the accessory.
Figure 2. Forklift truck
Figure 3. Machine control joystick
Steering position:
May be used to determine the position of
a steering wheel that doesn’t have a wide turning radius, or the
actual position of the steering mechanism that is under the steering
column.
Customer benefit:
Helps to prevent over-steering; informs the
controller in the cab or engine of when the wheels are accurately
positioned, potentially notifying the operator via an alarm enhancing
operator safety.
Figure 4. Robotic arm
Figure 5. Valve actuator
Auto-pilot/drive-by-wire system feedback:
May be placed on
the handlebar to control the throttle for speed control. Controls the
operator’s speed by maintaining a certain position.
Customer benefit:
Improves response time and operator control.
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sensing.honeywell.com
Application Note
Hall-Effect Rotary Position Sensors
HRS Series
HRS Series
•
for:
-
Long service life
- Low
torque actuation
-
Enhanced performance in harsh environments, especially
those with vibration, shock and extreme temperatures
- Reduces mechanical wear concerns
•
•
•
10 M cycle product life (typical):
Promotes extended life in the
application
Choice of termination types:
Contributes to design flexibility in the
application
Voltage output allows direct connection to the control system:
Can reduce external circuitry and overall system complexity, lowering
overall installation cost to the customer
•
•
Choice of anti-rotation locating pins:
Limits
rotation of the device in
the application, preventing over-travel on levers and throttles
Rotary potentiometer package form factor:
Designed to provide
direct replacement for potentiometers, often allowing drop-in
conversion to Hall-effect technology
Key Features and Benefits
Solid state Hall-effect technology provides non-contact operation
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Application Note
Hall-Effect Rotary Position Sensors
HRS Series
Find out more
To learn more about Honeywell’s
sensing and control products,
call
1-800-537-6945,
visit
sensing.honeywell.com,
or e-mail
inquiries to
info.sc@honeywell.com
Warranty.
Honeywell warrants goods of its manufacture as being free of defective materials
and faulty workmanship. Honeywell’s standard product warranty applies unless agreed to
otherwise by Honeywell in writing; please refer to your order acknowledgement or consult
your local sales office for specific warranty details. If warranted goods are returned to
Honeywell during the period of coverage, Honeywell will repair or replace, at its option,
without charge those items it finds defective.
The foregoing is buyer’s sole remedy and
is in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied, including those of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Honeywell be liable for
consequential, special, or indirect damages.
While we provide application assistance personally, through our literature and the Honeywell
web site, it is up to the customer to determine the suitability of the product in the application.
Specifications may change without notice. The information we supply is believed to be
accurate and reliable as of this printing. However, we assume no responsibility for its use.
Sensing and Control
Honeywell
1985 Douglas Drive North
Golden Valley, MN 55422
honeywell.com
007057-1-EN IL50 Printed in USA
October 2014
Copyright © 2014 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
