ANGLE SENSORS

An angle sensor is a precision mechatronic device that measures mechanical rotation and converts it into a proportional electrical signal. This signal provides real-time angular position feedback to motion control systems, enabling accurate positioning, movement control, and repeatable machine operation.

In modern automation, angle sensors serve as the foundation for closed-loop control. Whether monitoring steering position, throttle angle, valve rotation, robotic joints, or actuator movement, reliable angular feedback ensures performance, safety, and efficiency.

Novotechnik designs and manufactures high-performance rotary position sensors engineered for demanding environments across:

• Industrial automation
• Medical technology
• Off-highway and mobile equipment
• Automotive systems
• Marine applications
• Robotics and motion platforms
• Amusement and specialty machinery

Complete Range of Rotary Angle Sensor Technologies

Different applications require different sensing technologies. Novotechnik offers a comprehensive portfolio of angle sensor solutions to meet diverse mechanical, environmental, and electrical requirements.

Touchless Angle Sensors (Magnetic, Contactless, 0–360°)

Touchless angle sensors use a permanent magnet mounted to the rotating component of a machine to measure angular position without mechanical contact. As the magnet rotates, the sensor detects changes in the magnetic field using advanced Hall-effect technology and converts them into a precise, scaled electrical output signal.

Because there is no physical contact between sensing elements, these magnetic rotary sensors operate wear-free. This eliminates mechanical degradation, reduces signal noise over time, and significantly extends service life compared to traditional potentiometric devices.

360° Absolute Angle Measurement

The Vert-X 31E Series touchless angle sensors provide true 0 to 360 degree measurement in a compact rotary format. These sensors deliver absolute position data, meaning the exact shaft angle is known immediately at power-up without requiring a homing sequence. This makes them ideal for safety-critical and high-precision motion control systems.

Flexible Output Interfaces for Any Control System

To ensure compatibility with virtually any automation or motion platform, Vert-X sensors are available with eight different output interfaces.

Analog Outputs

• 4 to 20 mA current loop
• 0.1 to 10 V
• 0.5 to 4.5 V (ratiometric)

Digital Outputs

• Incremental
• PWM
• SPI
• SSI

This wide selection of analog and digital output formats allows seamless integration into PLCs, industrial controllers, automotive ECUs, robotics platforms, and embedded systems.

Engineered for Industrial and Harsh Environments

Touchless magnetic angle sensors are inherently resistant to shock, vibration, dust, and moisture because there are no sliding electrical contacts. Their contactless design ensures stable output performance even in demanding environments such as:

• Industrial automation
• Off-highway equipment
• Medical systems
• Marine applications
• Robotics and motion control
• Automotive systems

The combination of non-contact measurement, programmable signal ranges, and multiple housing configurations allows precise adaptation to application-specific requirements.

Why Choose Magnetic Contactless Angle Sensors?

Compared to traditional potentiometers, magnetic touchless sensors offer:

• No mechanical wear
• Extended operational life
• Stable signal accuracy over time
• Reduced maintenance
• Superior vibration resistance
• Clean, low-noise output signals

For applications requiring long-term reliability, precise 360° rotary measurement, and flexible electrical interfaces, Novotechnik’s Vert-X touchless angle sensors deliver robust performance and integration versatility.

View Novotechnik’s complete line of touchless angle sensors here.

Shaft-Type Angle Sensors

Shaft-type angle sensors are designed for direct mechanical coupling to a rotating shaft, delivering precise and repeatable angular position feedback in a compact, integrated format. These rotary position sensors are ideal for applications requiring reliable closed-loop control with minimal mechanical complexity.

Novotechnik manufactures a comprehensive range of shaft-mounted angle sensors using multiple sensing technologies to meet diverse performance and environmental requirements.

Multiple Sensing Technologies for Maximum Flexibility

Depending on the application’s precision, durability, and lifecycle requirements, shaft-type sensors are available in:

Non-Contacting Magnetic (Hall-Effect) Technology Wear-free operation with extended service life and high resistance to shock and vibration. Ideal for industrial automation, mobile machinery, and automotive systems.

Potentiometric Technology (Conductive Plastic or Wire-Wound) High linearity and smooth analog output for applications requiring cost-effective, high-resolution position feedback.

Semi-Hollow Shaft Designs

Provide installation flexibility while maintaining compact form factors and simplified mounting.

This broad technology portfolio allows engineers to select the optimal balance between precision, environmental resistance, and cost.

Built for Harsh and Demanding Environments

For applications exposed to vibration, moisture, contaminants, or extreme temperatures, Novotechnik offers shaft-type angle sensors with stainless steel housings and shafts engineered for durability. These rugged designs ensure reliable operation in:

• Off-highway equipment
• Marine environments
• Industrial machinery
• Heavy-duty mobile systems
• Outdoor automation platforms

Robust construction combined with high-quality internal components ensures long-term signal stability even under mechanical stress.

Programmability and Customization

Many shaft-type models are programmable to accommodate application-specific requirements, including:

• Custom angular measurement ranges
• Adjustable output span
• Configurable switch outputs
• Scalable analog signal ranges
• Digital communication interfaces

This flexibility reduces system complexity and allows seamless integration into PLCs, ECUs, robotics controllers, and embedded systems.

Redundancy for Safety-Critical Applications

For applications where reliability is essential, select shaft-type angle sensors are available with partial or full redundancy. Dual-channel outputs provide enhanced safety and fault detection capabilities, making them suitable for automotive, medical, and functional safety systems.

Hollow-Shaft Angle Sensors

Hollow-shaft angle sensors are designed for direct through-shaft mounting, allowing the rotating shaft of the application to pass directly through the sensor body. This design eliminates the need for external couplings, reduces mechanical tolerances, and improves alignment accuracy.

Novotechnik hollow-shaft rotary position sensors are available with bore diameters ranging from 6 mm to 30 mm, accommodating a wide variety of rod and shaft sizes. Sensors are secured using precision set-screw mounting to ensure stable mechanical integration and repeatable positioning performance.

Direct Mounting for Improved Accuracy

By eliminating couplers and external linkage components, hollow-shaft sensors reduce backlash and alignment error. This results in:

• Higher measurement precision
• Improved repeatability
• Reduced mechanical wear
• Simplified installation

Direct shaft integration is particularly valuable in robotics, automated machinery, valve control systems, and motion platforms where tight mechanical tolerances are required.

D-Shaft and Industrial Mounting Options

For applications requiring positive torque transfer and secure shaft engagement, Novotechnik offers D-shaft configurations within its WAL 200, WAL 300, and WAL 305 Series sensor families. These designs ensure stable rotational coupling while maintaining compact installation profiles.

Available technologies within hollow-shaft configurations include:

• Magnetic, non-contacting sensors for wear-free operation
• High-precision potentiometric sensors for smooth analog output
• Rugged industrial housings for demanding environments

Engineered for Industrial Performance

Hollow-shaft angle sensors are commonly used in:

• Industrial automation systems
• Packaging and processing equipment
• Robotics and articulated arms
• Valve and actuator positioning
• Off-highway machinery

Their compact design, robust construction, and flexible electrical output options make them ideal for both OEM integration and retrofit applications.

Multi-Turn Angle Sensors

Multi-turn angle sensors are designed for applications that require both precise angular position measurement and accurate turn counting over multiple revolutions. Unlike single-turn sensors limited to 360°, multi-turn devices continuously track total rotational displacement, making them ideal for extended-range motion systems.

Novotechnik multi-turn sensors combine advanced magnetic sensing technologies with intelligent signal processing to deliver wear-free, contactless operation. Because there are no sliding electrical contacts, these sensors maintain long service life and stable output performance even under continuous operation.

Extended Angular Measurement up to 5,760°

Novotechnik multi-turn angle sensors provide measurement ranges from 0° up to 5,760° (16 full revolutions). This extended range allows precise monitoring of:

• Linear actuator screw drives
• Gear-driven rotary mechanisms
• Valve positioning systems
• Telescopic and lifting systems
• Robotics and articulated machinery

By accurately tracking both position and total rotation count, these sensors eliminate the need for external counters or additional tracking hardware.

Absolute Position Retention After Power Loss

Magnetic multi-turn technology enables absolute position feedback. The sensor retains its rotational position data even after extended power interruptions. Upon restart, the control system immediately knows the exact shaft position without requiring a homing sequence.

This feature improves system uptime, enhances safety, and simplifies commissioning procedures.

Wear-Free Technology for Demanding Environments

Using non-contact magnetic sensing principles, Novotechnik multi-turn sensors are:

• Mechanically wear-free
• Resistant to shock and vibration
• Stable in contaminated or harsh environments
• Suitable for continuous duty cycles

This makes them well-suited for industrial automation, off-highway machinery, medical systems, and heavy-duty mobile equipment.

Flexible Output Options

Multi-turn angle sensors are available with analog and digital output interfaces to integrate with PLCs, motion controllers, and embedded systems. Programmable output spans and scalable signal ranges allow precise adaptation to application-specific requirements.

Automotive Angle Sensors

Automotive angle sensors are engineered to deliver precise, reliable rotational position feedback in vehicle control systems where safety, durability, and long-term stability are critical. From high-performance racing platforms to high-volume production vehicles and rugged off-highway equipment, Novotechnik develops application-specific and custom angle sensor solutions designed to meet demanding automotive standards.

Engineered for Vehicle Control Systems

Accurate angular position measurement is essential for modern electronic control systems. Novotechnik automotive angle sensors provide real-time feedback for:

Steering wheel angle measurement Throttle position sensing Transmission gear selector position Pedal position detection Suspension and actuator positioning Off-highway equipment controls

These sensors integrate directly into electronic control units (ECUs), supporting precise motion control and driver assistance systems.

Built for Harsh Automotive Environments

Automotive applications demand sensors capable of withstanding extreme vibration, temperature fluctuations, contaminants, and continuous operation. Novotechnik designs automotive angle sensors with:

• Contactless magnetic (Hall-effect) technology for wear-free performance
• High resistance to shock and vibration
• Stable output across wide temperature ranges
• Compact, space-efficient housings
• Robust sealing for moisture and debris protection

Non-contact sensing eliminates mechanical wear, ensuring consistent signal quality throughout the vehicle’s service life.

Custom and High-Volume Solutions

Novotechnik supports both specialized and large-scale automotive programs, including:

• Racing and motorsport applications requiring high-speed precision
• High-volume OEM production platforms
• Heavy-duty and off-highway vehicles
• Electrified and hybrid vehicle systems

Many automotive models offer programmable output characteristics, redundant channels for safety-critical systems, and flexible electrical interfaces to meet evolving vehicle architecture requirements.

Open System Angle Sensors

Open system angle sensors are designed for applications where space constraints require ultra-low profile or flat integration. Instead of a fully enclosed housing, these systems consist of a precision resistive element and a matching wiper assembly, allowing the sensor to be directly integrated into the mechanical structure of the application.

Novotechnik’s PRS Series open system angle sensors provide compact, high-accuracy rotary position measurement for installations where conventional housed sensors are not feasible.

Ultra-Compact, Flat Design for Tight Installations

Open system configurations are ideal for applications with minimal axial or radial space. Because the sensing element can be mounted directly onto a customer-defined mechanical surface, engineers gain flexibility in system design while maintaining accurate angular feedback.

This architecture enables:

Extremely low installation height Direct integration into custom assemblies Reduced mechanical complexity Lightweight sensor solutions

Precision Resistive Measurement

The PRS Series utilizes a precision resistive track and wiper pair to convert rotary motion into a proportional electrical output. This design delivers:

Smooth analog output signal High linearity Excellent repeatability Stable performance in controlled environments

Open system sensors are particularly well suited for equipment where internal integration is preferred and environmental sealing is provided by the overall device assembly.

Applications for Open System Angle Sensors

Typical applications include:

Flat mechanical assemblies Embedded control systems Custom industrial equipment Compact actuator designs Integrated medical devices

By separating the sensing element from a traditional housing, Novotechnik open system angle sensors provide maximum design freedom without sacrificing measurement precision.