Signal processing

In industrial automation, the quality of signal processing determines the process reliability, productivity, and service life of your systems. As a manufacturer or OEM, you need robust, reproducible measurement values from potentiometric position sensors—without compromising on EMC, stability, or integration effort. At Novotechnik, we supply transducers that reliably interface with potentiometers. They scale the signal and output it as a standardized signal to the controller. The result is stable interfaces to PLCs, IPCs, and control systems—from prototypes to production machines, in factory environments as well as in mobile applications.

From Potentiometer to Standard Signal

Potentiometric displacement and angle sensors provide high-resolution analog signals and are operated as unloaded voltage dividers. Transducers/signal converters supply them with power via a highly stable constant-voltage source and capture the wiper signal in a high-impedance, ratiometric manner. This enables the use of potentiometric sensors in PLC environments.

The transducers adapt the sensor signal to downstream positioning, control, and display devices and provide the standard signals 0–10 V, 0–20 mA, or 4–20 mA. Thanks to zero-point and range shift (offset/gain) that can be adjusted over a wide range, even partially utilized displacement or angle ranges can be scaled to the desired output window with minimal loss. Depending on the series, additional functions such as teach-in, filtering, linearization, and optional galvanic isolation are available. This speeds up commissioning, simplifies documentation, and increases repeatability and immunity to interference—especially with longer cables; variants with galvanic isolation further improve performance in the presence of potential differences.

Effectively combining analog and digital signal processing

In mechanical engineering and automation technology, both types of signals are important: analog signals from position sensors for immediate, low-latency evaluation, and digital signals for diagnostics, trend analysis, or networked systems. Our transducers from Novotechnik provide a stable analog foundation for control systems.

Signal Processing Portfolio

Transducers for the LWH/TLH series: Integrated into the electrical connection of the hydraulic connector in accordance with DIN EN 175301 – precise position measurement with Current or voltage output.

Transducers for DIN rail mounting: Compact DIN rail modules for control cabinets, clear terminal layout, service-friendly wiring, and—depending on the model—galvanic isolation or teach-in.

Transducers for outdoor applications: Rugged housing with a high protection rating, EMC-optimized design, and vibration-resistant construction. Ideal for infrastructure and outdoor test stands.

Benefits for Development, Procurement, and Operations

• Precise, long-term stable signal processing with low temperature drift
• EMC-compliant design; galvanic isolation (depending on the model) for maximum immunity to interference
• Standard signals: 0–10 V and 0/4–20 mA, plus additional options depending on the model – directly compatible with PLCs
• Efficient commissioning thanks to offset/gain, filtering/linearization, and optional teach-in
• Versions for outdoor use and mounting rails, suitable for mechanical and electrical requirements
• Expert support for design, configuration, and integration into existing architectures

Typical applications

• Mechanical and plant engineering, production machinery
• Test and measurement stations, quality assurance
• Process and building engineering,
• Infrastructure and Outdoor Test Rigs

Integration with a focus on lifecycle and scalability

For OEMs, scalability throughout the product lifecycle is just as important as measurement quality. Our Novotechnik transducers support consistent signal processing from prototyping through to mass production. Thanks to the clear separation of the sensor, transducer, and controller, components can be updated independently of one another without having to requalify the entire measurement chain.

Advice and Next Steps

We can assist you with selecting, designing, and configuring your signal processing to work seamlessly with our potentiometer series and your specific application. You’ll receive reliable recommendations on sensor compatibility, protection ratings, EMC, power supply, and output configuration. This helps you minimize integration risks, speed up commissioning, and ensure consistent results during operation. Get in touch—we’ll find the optimal solution for your application.