Positionssensorik

Positionssensorik, or position sensor technology, refers to the methods and devices used to determine the spatial position or displacement of an object relative to a reference frame. Measurements can be linear, along a straight axis, or angular, describing rotation about an axis. Position sensing provides feedback for closed-loop control in automation, robotics, CNC machinery, and automotive systems, as well as metrology and testing tasks.

Key technologies can be categorized as contact and non-contact sensors. Contact approaches include potentiometers and linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs), which directly convert displacement into an electrical signal but may wear over time. Non-contact methods include optical encoders (incremental and absolute), magnetic encoders (Hall-effect or magnetoresistive), capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, and resolvers. MEMS-based devices are increasingly used for small-scale or embedded sensing. Output signals can be analog (voltage or current proportional to position) or digital, via interfaces such as SSI, EnDat, BiSS, CANopen, SPI, I2C, or EtherCAT.

Performance is described by metrics such as resolution, accuracy, linearity, repeatability, hysteresis, response bandwidth, and temperature stability, as well as environmental robustness (dust, moisture, shock). In practice, absolute encoders provide a direct position value, while incremental encoders require a reference or homing.

Applications span robotics and automation, CNC and machine tools, automotive and aerospace systems, and consumer electronics. Trends in position sensor technology include higher-resolution absolute encoders, robust magnetic sensing in harsh environments, and sensor fusion with other measurement modalities.