Dual redundant angle position sensing for safety critical tasks

Dual redundant angle position sensing for safety critical tasks: Dynali’s ultralight helicopter includes Variohm Euro XPD series Hall Effect angle sensors

The Dynali Helicopter Company, based in Thines - Belgium, designs and manufactures the H3 EasyFlyer Sport ultralight helicopter. The market leading two-seater microlight helicopter offers affordable pricing for both for purchase and operation and is aimed at utility, flight training and leisure use. As part of the sensing and measurement equipment on board the H3, Variohm EuroSensor supplies its Euro XPD series Hall Effect angle sensors with dual redundant output to provide position feedback for the throttle valve as well the aircraft’s collective climb and descend position.

The H3 is an ultralight two-seat helicopter with a side-by-side cabin configuration. Designed to meet the latest global standards in the aviation industry whilst keeping all elements of the design very simple, a 4 cylinder – 1350 cc engine for 110 HP powers the aircraft. An over-dimensioned monobloc tubular stainless steel chassis carries all the principal components including engine block, cabin, tail structure and all the main and rear rotor transmission mechanics. The high-strength steel main rotor is controlled by rigid rods via a swashplate mechanism with the main rotor blades are manufactured in extruded aluminium or optionally in carbon. On-site manufacturing and careful selection of appropriate materials ensures that the H3 EasyFlyer Sport offers the highest possible level of safety and simplicity.

For the throttle valve, the Variohm Euro XPD position sensor is factory configured for a range of 120 ° with a 135 ° offset (relative to the cable outlet), with its ratiometric output signal at 5% to 95% of the of the 5 VDC input signal. For the collective climb and descend position, a different factory set up is provided. Both variants for Dynali include special cable and connector assemblies.

As standard, the Euro XPD angle sensor series offers dual-track redundancy for safety-critical use with a full 360 degree range, or with factory configured angle output from 20⁰ up to 360⁰. Variohm EuroSensor hold stocks of the Euro XPD which can be shipped, fully programmed, within 24 hours of order receipt.

The fully encapsulated sensor is available in 32 and 38 mm diameter housing options and includes IP68 environmental protection and extreme resilience for shock and vibration. A reinforced mounting-flange with stainless steel kidney washers adds further durability. 8 mm D-Shaft mechanical interfacing and non-contacting Hall Effect technology offers simple yet effective installation and extremely long operational life - in excess of 50 million movements.

The coupling-free sensor has a strong pedigree for throttle position sensing in professional motorsports and other arduous high-duty cycle position feedback applications. Variohm EuroSensor is a UK designer, manufacturer and distribution partner for leading global sensor component suppliers offering a comprehensive range of sensor technologies including linear and rotary position, load, force, vibration and temperature. Variohm provides complete pre-sale and post-sale application support for demanding measurement applications throughout industry, agriculture, construction, autosports and research.