A range of pressure transducers that offers motorsport teams the combined benefits of rugged, low cost construction, coupled with high reliability, high accuracy and a lightweight, compact design, has been introduced by Impress Sensors & Systems' partner, K A Sensors. The ‘ASL Series’ pressure transducer will be officially launched at the forthcoming Autosport International Engineering Show, held at the NEC, Birmingham (10-11 January, 2008).
The ASL Series transducers measure just 21mm in diameter and so can be fitted into very tight spaces on a vehicle or motorcycle. Manufactured in the UK at Impress Sensors & Systems’ site in Aldermaston, the ASL Series transducers are ideal for harsh motorsport environments, including rally cars, superbikes, touring cars and supercars. Typical on-vehicle applications include fuel pressure, brakes, oil, water, air and coolant pressure, with custom-designed sensors available for specific applications.
The sensors, which can also be used in harsh process manufacturing environments, are available in pressure ranges from 5bar up to 200bar and operate in temperatures from –20°C to 100°C. The sensor is constructed from stainless steel, with ceramic (alumina) diaphragms and Viton seals (for fuel, oil and water pressure measurement) or FEP (polymer) seals for brake fluid applications. The sensor also has high shock and vibration resistance and a fast measurement response time.
Accuracy is ±0.5% FS. Thread sizes are M10x1 or 3/8-24 UNF (-3), although other sizes can be accommodated if necessary. Cabling is 500mm high strength PTFE and the transducer is protected to IP67. Supply is 5V or 8-16V and output is from 0.5 to 4.5V (regulated and unregulated).
Le-Mans and Touring car racing teams are already using the ASL Series transducer for on-vehicle applications.