Extended-Range OEM Displacement Sensor YKC Series

Overview

The SmartGas YKC Series Extended-Range OEM Displacement Sensor is a precision linear position transducer engineered for integration into industrial control systems, environmental monitoring platforms, and automated gas detection infrastructure. Unlike conventional short-stroke LVDTs or potentiometric sensors, the YKC series employs a robust non-contact magnetostrictive sensing principle—combined with a stainless-steel pressure-tight housing—to deliver stable, drift-free position feedback over exceptionally long strokes up to 2540 mm. Its design targets OEM applications where space-constrained mounting, long-term reliability under cyclic loading, and immunity to vibration, dust, and ambient humidity are critical. While commonly deployed as a positional actuator feedback element in gas alarm valve control assemblies, stack damper positioning, or vent hood sash monitoring systems, the sensor operates independently of gas composition—making it a mechanical subsystem rather than a direct gas-sensing component. It conforms to IEC 60529 IP67 ingress protection and meets CE marking requirements for industrial electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU).

Key Features

• Extended stroke capability: 2540 mm (100 inches) total travel range, enabling single-sensor deployment across large-scale mechanical interfaces such as HVAC dampers, flue gas diverter gates, or emergency purge valve linkages.
• OEM-optimized mechanical form factor: Compact cylindrical profile (89 mm diameter × 89 mm length) with standardized M18 × 1.5 threaded mounting interface and axial cable exit—designed for drop-in integration into custom enclosures or instrument housings.
• Dual-output architecture: Factory-configurable simultaneous analog (4–20 mA current loop or 0–10 V voltage output) and digital (RS485 Modbus RTU) signal transmission, supporting both legacy PLC analog inputs and modern IIoT edge gateways.
• High-reliability magnetostrictive core: Solid-state sensing element with no sliding contacts or wear-prone wipers—ensuring >100 million cycle lifetime and minimal hysteresis (<0.02% FS).
• Industrial-grade environmental resilience: Stainless steel 316L housing, fluorosilicone O-ring seals, and conformal-coated PCBs rated for continuous operation from −25 °C to +70 °C and 95% RH non-condensing.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YKC Series is mechanically agnostic—it does not interface directly with gas samples but serves as a displacement feedback device within gas-handling subassemblies (e.g., motorized shut-off valves, pneumatic actuators, or adjustable exhaust baffles). Its compliance portfolio includes RoHS 2011/65/EU, REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, and UL recognition under file E491223 for industrial control equipment. While not certified as an intrinsic safety (IS) device per IEC 60079-11, it may be installed in Zone 2 hazardous locations when used with appropriately rated barriers and documented in a site-specific ATEX/IECEx risk assessment. The sensor supports traceable calibration via NIST-traceable reference standards; calibration certificates are available upon request.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software is required for basic operation. Analog outputs integrate directly with standard DCS, SCADA, or PLC analog input modules. For digital communication, the embedded Modbus RTU protocol enables readout of real-time position (in mm or inches), internal temperature, and diagnostic status registers (e.g., sensor fault, over-range, communication timeout) using industry-standard Modbus masters. Configuration—including zero/span adjustment, output scaling, and baud rate—is performed via Modbus function codes (0x06 and 0x10) and persists through power cycles. Audit logs are not maintained onboard; however, when integrated into a validated environmental monitoring system compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, position data and timestamps may be captured, archived, and electronically signed at the supervisory level.

Applications

• Position feedback for motorized gas isolation valves in semiconductor fab abatement systems.
• Stroke verification and closed-loop control of pneumatic actuators in EPA Method 9 opacity monitor calibration rigs.
• Real-time sash height monitoring in laboratory fume hood safety interlock circuits.
• Linear displacement tracking of stack gas sampling probe carriages in continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS).
• OEM integration into portable multi-gas detector docking stations requiring mechanical alignment confirmation prior to self-test initiation.

FAQ

Is the YKC sensor intrinsically safe for use in explosive atmospheres?

No—the YKC Series is not intrinsically safe certified. It may be deployed in Zone 2 areas only when paired with approved safety barriers and included in a formal hazard analysis.
Can the analog and digital outputs operate simultaneously?

Yes—both outputs are active concurrently and electrically isolated; no configuration conflict arises between them.
What is the recommended recalibration interval?

SmartGas recommends annual functional verification against a traceable gauge block or laser interferometer; full recalibration is advised every two years or after mechanical shock exceeding 50 g.
Does the sensor support custom stroke lengths outside the 2540-mm standard?

Custom stroke variants (e.g., 1500 mm or 3000 mm) are available under OEM agreement with minimum order quantities and extended lead times.
Is firmware update capability provided?

Firmware is factory-locked for stability; field updates are not supported. Functional enhancements require hardware revision and requalification.