Wiring Universal Torque Transducers Wiring Universal Torque Transducers | HBM

Wiring Universal Torque Transducers

At HBM, we are frequently asked about integrating torque transducers into machinery, and to what extent the onboarding process will affect factory throughput. Different sensors are obviously manufactured to different specifications, with varying electronic and mechanical methodologies. However, modern torque transducers are increasingly designed with ease of integration in mind, to support the demanding measurement requirements of various industrial environments.

This article will explore the process of wiring universal torque transducers, such as the T40B, in detail:

Wiring T40B Torque Transducers

The T40B is a universal torque transducer for comprehensive bench tests, offering an exceptional 0.03% accuracy in terms of linearity including hysteresis. These transducers are equipped with four electrical ports, which are visibly numbered:

  • Port 1 is a 7-pin plug that provides a voltage supply of up to 30 V to the transducer, and a low resistance path via a shunt. It provides frequency output data;
  • Port 2 is an 8-pin plug with multiple setups depending upon the transducer. It can provide speed measurements and speed with a reference pulse ;
  • Port 3 is another 7-pin plug that is similar to port 1, except it acts as the voltage output;
  • Port 4 is a 16-pin plug that acts as the Torque Measurement Channel (TMC) that can link with interfaces from HBM's TIM family. It provides additional outputs, including scaling, filtering, and zeroes – it can also be connected via CAN or Ethernet-based fieldbuses like PROFINET or EtherCAT for advanced machine-to-machine communication.

These transducers operate on a nominal supply voltage of 18 – 30 V, which is isolated from the signal output pins to reduce background noise. A shunt signal of approximately 50% of the nominal torque signal is generated by T40B torque transducers.

As an example, wiring T40B torque transducers with the TIM40 module is simple, and it is easy to test the functionality of the mechanism by observing the LEDs on the stator plate. The TIM40 is easily mounted to mechanical equipment with plainly labeled input and output plugs. Its X1 port is a power supply, while the X2 port is a shunt signal trigger – so it is possible to bypass an external power supply to the transducer by running the TIM40 through the T40B.

The X3 plug of the TIM40 is the primary connector to port 4 of the T40B, providing shielding for your torque signal and pass-through power. Finally, the X4 and X5 are frequency and analog outputs, which provide additional limits directly from the TIM40.

All the output signals are highly-tunable with good degrees of control, including the naming conventions of signals and the number of decimal points for attained signals.

Wiring Torque Transducers with HBM

HBM is a leading developer and supplier of test and measurement equipment, with over 65 years’ experience producing precise instrumentation for test bench systems across the world. We provide full disclosure and thorough documentation to improve integration processes and minimize machinery downtime for customers looking to optimize their test bench systems with minimal installation shortfall.

If you would like any more information about wiring torque transducers, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Watch our video on wiring torque transducers: 

  • Learn how to wire the torque transducers of type T40B, T12HP and T12
  • General tips & tricks for wiring torque transducers.