Magnetic sensors

A wide range of magnetic sensors can be realized on the basis of magnetic fields. Currents, speeds, conductivities, directions, distances and many other variables can be measured reliably. The Pikatron Group has decades of experience in the field of magnetic sensor technology and can provide support during development, develop completely and, of course, manufacture to a high standard of quality. Magnetic sensors operate without contact (i.e. encapsulation from the surrounding medium is possible) and are wear-free (as there are no moving parts) and robust.

Wind speed sensor system

Anemometers are various measuring instruments for the local measurement of the velocity of a flow field, in particular the wind speed. The field of vane anemometers often falls into the category of magnetic sensor technology. Together with a wind direction sensor and a recording device, permanently installed anemometers are part of weather stations. Anemometers are also necessary for the siting and design of wind turbines. At larger airfields, wind measurement data is usually transmitted to flight control from several measuring points. A cup anemometer is often attached to the top of the mast of a sailboat to determine the strength of the apparent wind.

Technical specifications

Directional accuracy: +/- 0.1 degrees
Wind speeds: 0 .. 150 km/h
Range: +/- 180 degrees

Designs

Construction: simple coil, sensor assembly or sensor system
Options: including primary or secondary electronics
Output: analog, digital

Fields of application

The applications of our wind speed sensors range from aviation and shipping to weather services and renewable energy. They are used whenever standard solutions (e.g. measurement uncertainty, temperatures, design) are not good enough for your application.

Contact

Torsten Meißner

Entwicklung

+49 6081-583-415
Send eMail torsten.meissner@pikatron.de

Geomagnetic field determination

A compass is used to determine the direction of the north and south poles of the earth (earth's magnetic field) and the other cardinal points derived from this. With a fluxgate magnetometer, the magnitude and direction of the Earth's magnetic field can be determined with an accuracy of 1/100,000 of its absolute value. Gyrocompasses work without making use of the Earth's magnetic field, and their mode of action is based on the Earth's rotation. We can offer you solutions for all these magnetic sensor variants.

Technical specifications

Accuracy: +/- 0.1 degree

Designs

Design: simple coil, sensor assembly or sensor system
Options: including primary or secondary electronics
Output: analogue, digital

Fields of application

The applications of our geomagnetic field sensors range from shipping to space travel. They are always used when standard solutions (e.g. accuracy, vibration resistance, insulation) are not good enough for your application.

Contact

Dipl.-Phys.

Florian Adler

Entwicklung

+49 6081-583-417
Send eMail adler@pikatron.de

Conductivity probes

Electrical conductivity must be determined in many applications. Conductivity probes are used for this purpose and provide information on how well a liquid conducts electric current, for example. This typically works with two coils that generate a high-frequency magnetic field and measure the impedance. To manufacture the probes, we develop the coils ourselves and produce them at our sites, customized to our customers' requirements.

Technical specifications

Measuring frequency: 1 kHz ... 100 kHz
Measuring range: 1µS ... 2 S

Examples

Designs

Construction: simple coil, sensor assembly or sensor system
Options: including primary or secondary electronics
Output: analog, digital

Fields of application

The applications of our conductivity sensors range from industrial electronics to process measurement technology. They are always used when standard solutions (e.g. measurement uncertainty, temperature stability, resolution) are not good enough for your application.

Contact

Dr.-Ing.

Florian Klug

Entwicklung, Prozessoptimierung

+49 6081-583-445
Send eMail klug@pikatron.de

Förster probes

Named after the physicist Friedrich Förster, the Förster probe is used for vectorial determination of very small magnetic field strengths. With the aid of two Förster probes it is possible to locate iron and/or iron ore in the ground or water. These sensors are also used in avalanche rescue. With three Först probes, offset by 90°, geomagnetic measurements are carried out from the airplane or for measuring the magnetic field strength in space. It is constructed, for example, from two receiver coils arranged in parallel and wound in opposite directions. If there is no magnetic field, the induced voltage cancels each other out.

Technical specifications

Magnetic field: 0,1 nT .. 1 mT

Examples

Designs

Construction: simple coil, sensor assembly or sensor system
Options: including primary or secondary electronics
Output: analog, digital

Fields of application

The applications of our Förster probes range from surface metrology, geology to aerospace. They are always used when standard solutions (e.g. temperature, vibration resistance, resolution) are not good enough for your application.

Contact

Dr.-Ing.

Florian Klug

Entwicklung, Prozessoptimierung

+49 6081-583-445
Send eMail klug@pikatron.de

Current sensors

Current sensors can measure galvanically isolated currents in cables or busbars by using the magnetic flux density caused by electric currents. There is no need for direct contact between the cable and the current sensor. There are current sensors that can detect alternating current and versions that are suitable for measuring direct current.

Technical specifications

Current: 1 mA ... 10 kA
Output voltage: 0 ... 10 V
Transfer ratio: 1:1 ... 10.000:1
load: 1 Ohm .. 10 kOhm
Dielectric strength: up to 50 kV

Examples

Designs

Construction: simple coil, sensor assembly or sensor system
Options: including primary or secondary electronics, integrated protection diode
Output: analog, digital

Fields of application

The applications of our current sensors range from traffic engineering and power supply to medical technology. They are always used when standard solutions (e.g. insulation, partial discharge freedom, linearity) are not good enough for your application.

Contact

B.Sc.

Tim Harder

Entwicklung

+49 6081-583-426
Send eMail harder@pikatron.de

Proximity sensors

Inductive proximity sensors or proximity switches detect the approach of objects without direct contact. They react to ferromagnetic as well as non-magnetic metallic objects and to graphite. Inductive proximity switches are used, for example, in technical processes to detect the position of workpieces and tools and as triggers for safety measures.

Technical specifications

Operating voltage: 0 .. 10 V

Examples

Designs

Construction: simple coil, sensor assembly or sensor system
Options: including primary or secondary electronics
Output: analog, digital

Fields of application

The applications of our inductive proximity sensors range from mechanical engineering to aircraft technology. They are always used when standard solutions (e.g. temperature range, quality, design) are not good enough for your application.

Contact

Dipl.-Phys.

Florian Adler

Entwicklung

+49 6081-583-417
Send eMail adler@pikatron.de

Other magnetic sensors

In addition to the magnetic sensors shown, the Pikatron Group also offers all other types of magnetic sensors. In some cases, it is only the terms that differ, but in others these are genuine special cases for which we can, of course, also help you. In all probability we can also help you with discontinued magnetic sensors of other manufacturers, if your application does not allow a fundamental renewal. But also for the update of your complete application we are at your disposal. Just contact us.

Contact

Dr.-Ing.

Felix Henschke

Technische Leitung

+49 6081-583-400
Send eMail henschke@pikatron.de