SmartGas YK173–YK176 Series Miniature Linear Potentiometric Displacement Sensors
| [Brand | SmartGas |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model Series | YK173–YK176 |
| Stroke Range | 0–165.1 mm (5 standard models) |
| Body Diameter | 24.4 mm × Length: 11.4 mm (YK170 reference) |
| Mass | 28 g (YK173), up to 113 g (YK176) |
| Electrical Output | Analog voltage divider (0–V<sub>IN</sub>) |
| Potentiometer Type | Single-turn, precision conductive plastic |
| Resistance | 5 kΩ ±10% |
| Mechanical/Electrical Travel | 340° min |
| Linearity Error | ≤±0.5% FS |
| Resolution | Theoretical infinite (analog) |
| Operating Temperature | −65°C to +125°C |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Environmental Compliance | DO-160D Category E1E1ABXHXFDXSAXXXXXXXXXX |
| Mechanical Life | 1 × 10⁸ cycles |
| Max Supply Voltage | 35 VDC |
| Max Current Draw | 12 mA |
| Power Rating | 1.0 W @ 70°C |
| Insulation Resistance | ≥1000 MΩ @ 500 VDC |
| Dielectric Withstand | 1000 VDC min |
| Tempco | ≤±400 ppm/°C |
| Cable Pull Force Range | 0.1 N to 3.3 N (model-dependent) |
| Shock & Vibration | 100 g / 6 ms |
Overview
The SmartGas YK173–YK176 Series comprises a family of miniature linear potentiometric displacement sensors engineered for high-reliability position feedback in space-constrained, mission-critical environments. Unlike optical or inductive alternatives, these sensors employ a precision single-turn conductive plastic potentiometer coupled directly to a stainless-steel cable-driven spool mechanism—enabling robust analog position measurement through direct mechanical translation. The core transduction principle relies on proportional voltage division across a stable resistive track, delivering continuous, noise-immune analog output (0–VIN) that scales linearly with cable extension. Designed for integration into aerospace actuation systems, industrial valve position monitoring, environmental sensor housings requiring thermal expansion compensation, and structural health monitoring nodes, the series prioritizes long-term stability, wide-temperature operation, and immunity to EMI—without requiring digital signal conditioning or external calibration.
Key Features
- Compact form factor: 24.4 mm diameter × 11.4 mm length (YK173 base model), enabling integration into tight mechanical envelopes where traditional LVDTs or string pots cannot fit.
- Five standardized stroke options: 76 mm (3″), 102 mm (4″), 127 mm (5″), and 165.1 mm (6.5″) — each calibrated to ≤±0.5% full-scale linearity error over the entire travel range.
- Conductive plastic potentiometer with AccuTrak™ hub design ensures exceptional repeatability (<0.1% hysteresis) and resistance to wear-induced drift, validated over 100 million mechanical cycles.
- Hermetically sealed anodized 2024 aluminum housing provides corrosion resistance and thermal stability while meeting IP54 ingress protection requirements for dust and water splashes.
- Stainless-steel 7×7 stranded cable (0.46 mm Ø) rated for ≥177 N tensile strength and optimized for low-friction spooling; pull-force profiles are precisely specified per model (e.g., YK174: 0.8–3.3 N nominal range).
- Wide operating temperature range (−65°C to +125°C) supported by low-tempco resistive elements (≤±400 ppm/°C) and thermally matched mechanical components, compliant with DO-160D Environmental Category E1E1ABXHXFDXSAXXXXXXXXXX.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The YK173–YK176 series is compatible with non-corrosive ambient gases and inert atmospheres typical of environmental monitoring enclosures, HVAC ducts, and cleanroom instrumentation housings. It is not intrinsically safe nor ATEX-certified; therefore, it must be deployed outside hazardous gas zones unless housed within an approved explosion-proof barrier assembly. The sensor’s IP54 rating permits use in indoor industrial settings with moderate particulate exposure but excludes submersion or high-humidity condensing environments. All models comply with MIL-R-39023 for shock/vibration endurance and meet DO-160D Section 22 (Environmental Conditions) for airborne equipment qualification. While not certified to ISO 9001 or IEC 61508 out-of-the-box, the design supports traceable calibration and documentation required for GLP/GMP-aligned QA/QC workflows in regulated environmental monitoring applications.
Software & Data Management
As an analog-output-only device, the YK173–YK176 requires external signal conditioning and digitization. It interfaces seamlessly with industry-standard data acquisition systems (e.g., National Instruments CompactDAQ, Keysight DAQ970A) via three-wire voltage-divider wiring (V+, Signal, GND). Output scaling is deterministic: voltage = (x / xmax) × VIN, enabling direct position reconstruction without lookup tables. For audit-trail compliance in regulated labs, users may integrate the sensor into SCADA or LabVIEW-based platforms configured with 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, timestamped raw data logging, and change-control metadata tracking. Calibration certificates (NIST-traceable) are available upon request and include as-found/as-left linearity verification per ANSI/NCSL Z540-1.
Applications
- Aerospace: Control surface position feedback in UAV flight control surfaces and actuator end-stop detection.
- Environmental Monitoring: Thermal expansion compensation in multi-gas analyzer housings, damper position sensing in air quality sampling manifolds.
- Industrial Automation: Valve stem position verification in pneumatic actuators used for emission control scrubbers and stack gas analyzers.
- Structural Monitoring: Settlement and joint movement tracking in bridge expansion joints and seismic isolation bearings.
- R&D Instrumentation: Precision stage positioning in custom-built gas chromatography sample introduction modules and FTIR gas cell alignment fixtures.
FAQ
Is this sensor suitable for explosive gas environments?
No. The YK173–YK176 series lacks intrinsic safety certification (e.g., ATEX, IECEx) and must be installed outside classified hazardous areas or within an approved explosion-proof enclosure.
Can the output be connected directly to a PLC analog input?
Yes—provided the PLC supports ratiometric voltage inputs (0–10 V or 0–5 V) and the supply voltage (≤35 VDC) and current draw (≤12 mA) fall within its sourcing specifications.
What is the recommended calibration interval?
For critical environmental monitoring applications, annual calibration against a laser interferometer or certified gauge block set is recommended; for non-regulated use, biennial verification suffices if mechanical mounting remains undisturbed.
Does SmartGas provide custom stroke lengths or electrical interfaces?
Standard offerings cover five discrete strokes; custom stroke lengths and modified termination (e.g., M12 connector, shielded twisted pair) are available under OEM agreements with minimum order quantities.
How does temperature affect measurement accuracy?
Linearity error remains bounded at ±0.5% FS across the full −65°C to +125°C range; however, system-level thermal EMF effects in cabling may introduce sub-percent offset—mitigated via four-wire Kelvin sensing or cold-junction compensation in the DAQ stage.
