This section provides an overview for rotation sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 rotation sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked rotation sensor companies as of December, 2024: 1.Wells Engineered Products, 2.BARTEC US Corporation, 3.Variohm.
Table of Contents
Rotation Sensors are sensors that obtain information about the rotational motion of a machine.
Specifically, it detects the rotation angle, rotation speed, and amount of rotation based on changes in physical quantities associated with the rotation of a machine. Rotation Sensors are not used by themselves, but are connected to a PC or meter.
There are four main types of Rotation Sensors: the mechanical type recognizes the angle of rotation, the optical type detects the passage of light, and the magnetic or electromagnetic induction type is related to changes in magnetic fields. Each is used according to the physical quantity to be detected.
Rotation Sensors are used in a wide variety of machines to detect the state of rotational motion of a machine. Examples include automobiles, motorcycles, agricultural machinery, ships, and other vehicles driven by engines or motors. In the case of automobiles, Rotation Sensors are used to detect the crank angle and cam angle of the engine, the number of revolutions of the crankshaft of the engine and the output shaft of the transmission, as well as in ABS (anti-lock braking system).
Rotation Sensors are also used to detect the rotational position of machines other than those in continuous rotational motion. As potentiometers, Rotation Sensors are also useful for detecting the angle of rotation of a machine.
Rotation Sensors are available using several principles, depending on their purpose. Here we describe four typical types.
Mechanical Rotation Sensors use a variable resistance to detect the rotational position by sensing the electrical resistance corresponding to the angle of rotation. Mechanical Rotation Sensors are used not only for continuous rotational motion, but also as potentiometers, gear position meters, etc., to detect the position during circular motion.
Optical Rotation Sensors consist of a disk mounted on a rotating shaft with a series of small holes, called slits, through which an optical sensor detects the blinking speed of light passing through the slits as pulses. The optical sensor converts the light pulses into electrical signals. The optical type features high detection accuracy and resolution depending on the shape of the slit.
Magnetic Rotation Sensors detect changes in the magnetic field distribution by means of a magnetic sensor with a permanent magnet attached to the rotating shaft. Magnetic sensors use a semiconductor material called a Hall element. It is capable of detecting the rotational position and rotational speed of the motor shaft.
Rotation Sensors of the magnetic induction type have an induction coil (excitation coil) and a fixed coil (detection coil) mounted alternately on the rotating shaft to read changes in the magnetic field caused by rotational motion. Magnetic Induction Rotation Sensors are also called Resolvers. They can be used over a wider temperature range than other sensors and have excellent environmental resistance.
The MR Sensor detects rotational speed from the strength of the magnetic field generated as the gear passes by a permanent magnet placed near the tip of the gear teeth mounted on the rotating shaft. The magnetic field works in the direction that the distance between the gear tooth tip and the sensor becomes shorter.
MR sensors are used in various parts of automobiles.
Among the products we use in our daily lives, many Rotation Sensors are used in automobiles, including ABS devices. This system prevents the tires from locking up when emergency braking is applied.
If the tires lock up, the car cannot change its direction of travel even when the steering wheel is operated. Therefore, ABS prevents the tires from locking and enables the driver to avoid collision with an obstacle by steering wheel operation. The ABS system is activated when the Rotation Sensor detects a sudden drop in tire speed.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Wells Engineered Products is a full-line manufacturer of many electromechanical and electronic devices needed in modern vehicles including precision engine management and power control products. The company was established in 1978 and is headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Its main activity is the design, development, and manufacturing of ignition coils, voltage regulators, and sensors. The company also offers custom-engineered solutions for racing applications while operating in more than 20 countries. Wells' products are used by a wide range of customers, including automotive manufacturers, racing teams, and government agencies.
BARTEC Group established in 1975 and headquartered in Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of explosion protection and safety technology. The company’s product portfolio is segmented into electrical safety systems, technology systems, enterprise mobility, and electrical heating technology. The company offers products used to offer wireless connectivity, turnkey trace heating, analysis and measurement, and energy distribution solutions in automation and machine control in pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, food & beverage, manufacturing & logistics, and chemical industries.
DENSO CORPORATION, a Japanese company established in 1949 with its headquarters located in Kariya, Aichi, Japan, operates as both a manufacturer and supplier of automotive solutions. The company holds a position as a Tier 1 automotive supplier, providing thermal, powertrain, mobility, electrification, and electronic systems to a wide range of global carmakers and manufacturers. Its extensive product portfolio includes air conditioning systems, radiators, alternators, motors, starters, and various other automotive components. It has research, production, and sales offices throughout the world, with a total of 190 consolidated subsidiaries.
Variohm, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Milton Keynes, UK, is a manufacturer of sensing and measurement solutions. Their product range comprises linear and rotary position sensors for accurate motion measurement in machinery, alongside inductive and capacitive transducers that convert mechanical motion into electrical signals, and also signal conditioners that amplify and filter signals from sensors and devices. The company holds several certifications including ISO 9001:2015 and ATEX compliance certification.
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation, founded in 1980, is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, specializing in sensing devices and integrated circuit (IC) products. The company’s product offerings include magnetic sensors, current and gas sensors, audio devices, and specialty devices. These products have diverse applications, such as in personal electronics, where AKM provides compact and low-consumption features for sound and magnetic sensing. They offer CO2 sensors and transceiver IC for millimeter-wave radar with high spatial recognition for smart homes. Additionally, AKM provides rotation angle sensors in industrial equipment like robots and motors to achieve accuracy and off-axis alignment simultaneously.
Kaise Corporation, established in 1955 and headquartered in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic measuring instruments. Its product lineup includes battery checkers, jump starters, code readers, as well as oscilloscopes, and circuit testers, primarily used in automotive maintenance. Additionally, the company offers digital multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation resistance meters. Its SK-8550 Battery Checker received the 2016 Maintenance Support Award at the Automotive Newspaper Accessories Awards.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Wells Engineered Products |
42.9%
|
2 | BARTEC US Corporation |
20.0%
|
3 | Variohm |
11.4%
|
4 | Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation |
11.4%
|
5 | DENSO CORPORATION |
5.7%
|
6 | ESCOM Enhanced Solutions |
5.7%
|
7 | KAISE CORPORATION. |
2.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the rotation sensor page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 5 | 55.6% |
United States of America | 2 | 22.2% |
Turkey | 1 | 11.1% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 11.1% |