A high accuracy magnetostrictive linear position sensor

Magnetostrictive (MS) linear position sensors, which operate by measuring the time of flight of ultrasonic signals propagating in a waveguide, are one of the possible technologies for long range, absolute and high precision measurement. However, their accuracy is still far from the micrometer level achieved by standard differential sensors like optical encoders. This paper describes work in progress in a novel kind of MS linear position sensor, and considers the optimization of the processes of generation, transmission and reception of the ultrasonic waves in order to obtain higher precision. Preliminary results with the new sensor indicate a considerable improvement over the accuracy of standard MS sensors.