Mannesmann Vdo Ag

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Martin Degen

Wolfgang Porth

Eckhart Kern

J&ouml;rg Dammk&ouml;hler

A method for optically determining the position of a movement element optically includes introducing the light emitted by a light source into an optical conductor which causes attenuation of the light. A light output coupler that moves in accordance with the position of the movement element couples out the light from the optical conductor and feeds the attenuated light to a light detector. Using the ratio of the light intensity emitted by the light source and that registered by the light detector, the attenuation of the light is determined and the position of the movement element inferred therefrom. The sensor is usable in an aggressive environment or one susceptible to interference because of the light source and the light detector may be arranged remote from the movement element.

Method for optically determining the position of a movement element and sensor for implementing the method

A position sensor module in which a position sensor delivers a signal output to an electronic evaluation unit for further processing, wherein the sensor module and evaluation unit are mounted on and electrically connected by a shaped sheet metal part to eliminate the need for tuning adjustments between the position sensor and the electronic evaluation unit.

Sensor module

A short-circuit protection circuit for a switching output having a non-self-protected field-effect transistor to whose control electrode a control voltage can be supplied via an input. A series circuit comprising a timer, a switch-off release stage and a switch-off stage is provided at the control electrode of the non-self-protected semiconductor switch.

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Bad Homburg, Germany

Martin Degen