EBE sensors + motion presents the new TCRC sensors, a groundbreaking solution for capacitive buttons that function reliably even under extreme conditions.

In many areas of application, such as construction machinery, medical technology, vending machines, and kitchen and sanitary facilities, the reliable operation of electronic systems under the harshest environmental conditions is a must. With TCRC, the capacitive sensor system based on proven EBE corTEC® technology, EBE sensors + motion delivers a robust, weatherproof, and waterproof solution that has been specially developed for indoor and outdoor use. Whether in freezing cold, tropical heat, wet, or dusty environments, TCRC sensors work reliably. Even when operated with gloves or dirty fingers, when covered with water or contaminated with an oil film, the technology accurately detects genuine inputs and distinguishes them from unintentional activations caused by water, solid deposits such as ice or food residues, and dirt.

TCRC touch sensors are based on EBE's corTEC capacitive sensor technology. The combination of hardware and intelligent signal processing enables particularly reliable evaluation of the touch behavior with fast response times – even in challenging electrical and mechanical environments. TCRC buttons can be flexibly integrated behind robust cover materials such as glass or plastic – with a base area of 30 x 30 mm, they are particularly space-saving. They are suitable for indoor use, for example in sanitary applications or in medical technology, as well as for outdoor use in construction machinery or vending machines. In addition, they can be used in all areas where a lot of water is used, such as high-pressure cleaners, showers, etc. Thanks to the encapsulation around the sensor, the IP67 requirements can be met at almost any time while the button remains fully functional.

For development departments, EBE provides an evaluation kit for the TCRC including all necessary components with associated software and PC interface. This allows the button function and customization options to be tested directly in the planned application and individually adapted to the respective installation situation.

EBE sensors + motion offers a powerful solution for continuous, contactless level detection of various media, even for larger filling heights, with its new sensor platform. The innovative approach enables accurate measurement in a range from a few millimeters to 10 cm.

A key advantage of the new LCPB sensor generation is its ability to detect a wide variety of media such as liquids, granulates, and powdered materials. The capacitive sensors offer high accuracy and are virtually immune to external interference. In addition, the sensor sensitivity can be customized to ensure that even oils or certain solids can be reliably detected. The standard sensors are suitable for a wide range of media and applications. Even for special applications, EBE's capacitive technology offers a simple solution: the sensitivity of the sensors can be customized to meet specific requirements.

With the LCPB level sensors, it is now possible to continuously measure even larger fill levels using a single sensor. Until now, cascading switches were generally used for contactless measurements over a large area. However, switch solutions on the outside of the tank are complex and not very accurate. Alternative float solutions with integrated reed switches wear out over time and come into contact with the medium. EBE sensors offer a reliable, compact, and cost-effective solution: The sensor technology is integrated on a single circuit board and can be mounted outside the tank. Thanks to their high sensitivity, the level sensors can measure accurately even through tank walls up to 8 mm thick. Measurement is possible despite the air gap between the tank and the sensor. Fill levels up to 10 cm can be achieved with the LCPB standard sensor, but longer measuring ranges can also be implemented with continuous measurement on customer request.

For easier integration, EBE offers an evaluation kit that allows the sensors to be tested under real operating conditions. The kit's intuitive software enables quick commissioning and visualization of the measured values without the need for costly hardware or interface adjustments. The measurement results can be analyzed, stored, and processed directly.

With the MPE19-HALL potentiometer, EBE sensors + motion offers a product that impresses with its absolutely wear-free signal generation thanks to an integrated magnetic sensor. This ensures extremely high durability.

The MPE19 potentiometer from EBE is ideal for use in human-machine interfaces (HMI) in almost all industries that rely on high-quality potentiometers. It therefore offers a simple way to replace conventional high-quality wire and cermet potentiometers. The potentiometer features a compact design with a diameter of 19 mm and a height of approximately 20 mm behind the front panel. The robust central mounting is achieved via an M10x0.75 mm thread with flattenings (D-profile), which allows the potentiometer to be mounted securely and stably.

Designed for 1,000,000 operating cycles with detent, the MPE19 promises an extremely long service life. Conventional high-quality potentiometers offer a maximum of usually less than 50,000 operating cycles or, with detent, even far less. The MPE19 thus exceeds these by a factor of 20. It also offers an adjustable detent mechanism or, alternatively, no detent with end stops. This allows flexible use in a wide range of applications, such as machine controls, settings on tractors and construction machinery, control of adjustment variables in sound and lighting technology, and also in medical technology. The stainless steel shaft with a diameter of 6 mm ensures high load capacity and stability. The analog voltage output signal of the MPE19 moves clockwise from 0 V DC to the supply voltage VCC at a current resolution of 0.017 V per degree. The HALL sensor also replicates the typical voltage curve of regular potentiometers with an initial 0V phase and extended maximum output voltage at the end of the rotation angle. In addition, the sealed shaft, together with the panel seal, ensures comprehensive protection against the ingress of dust and water in accordance with IP protection specifications.

For easy integration into existing systems, the potentiometer is equipped with a standardized MicroMatch connector. The MPE19 has been specially tested for industrial environments and operates with a supply voltage of up to 5 V DC at a maximum current of 20 mA.

The ESC17 SAFETY raises the input safety to a new level by means of redundancy. The magnetic detection of the rotary movement and button signals makes the ESC17 SAFETY almost wear-free and extremely reliable. With 16 locking positions, the ball-spring latch used offers pleasant haptic feedback. The latching mechanisms of the ESC17 SAFETY are designed for several 100,000 rotations and scanning movements, and their feel can be adapted to customer requests. The protection from ESD discharges acc. IEC 61000-4-2 in installed condition is granted, and the rotary encoder has passed respective tests with excellence. The ESC17 mini remains unimpressed in case of EMC disturbances, e.g. acc. DIN EN 12895, and ensures constant operation without any negative influence. Thanks to the two independent HALL sensors, the rotary and tactile signal is detected in a redundant way. In case of an error, a separate signal is emitted via a dedicated PIN. This ensures reliable and safe operation at any time.

Robust and Compact

With its dimensions of 17 x 19 mm (L x W) and an installation height of 11 mm below the front plate, the rotary encoder is significantly more compact than comparable products on the market. Its high robustness makes it particularly suitable for use in compact, mobile devices, such as defibrillators or handheld terminals for machine tools, robots, and cobots. Thanks to its water and dust proofness against the front plate, it is also suitable for use under extreme ambient conditions, e.g. in operating units of CNC machines that work with lubricants and coolants, municipal vehicles, in forestry and agriculture as well as in construction machines and their handheld terminals. In a nutshell: wherever reliable redundant signal input and detection with error recognition is essential as soon as people might enter the working range of the machine.

Adaptations for Special Requirements

Thanks to a smart modular system, EBE sensors + motion offers a variety of adaptations for its rotary encoders. In this way, individual solutions for different applications can be realized. The development always concentrates on designing the best possible product for the respective operators, with a focus on quality and long service life in order to provide end users with long-lasting benefits from the customized solutions.

With the new QCRC sensor generation, EBE sensors + motion is expanding the corTEC® product family with a particularly compact and powerful solution for the non-contact detection of fluid properties for OEM and process applications. For the first time, the sensors enable complete media detection through container or hose walls – without any contact with the medium.

EBE’s QCRC sensors record capacitive and conductive measured values simultaneously and in real time. In the QCRC series, all measuring electrodes are fully integrated on the sensor. This enables sensors in a very small design of only 30 x 30 mm (1.18 x 1.18 inches) without additional components. The sensor delivers I²C measurement values immediately after installation and is therefore ideal for fast and cost-effective use in series applications.

Continuous Measurement without Contact with Media

The QCRC sensors are based on a further developed version of EBE’s in-house corTEC® technology. Thanks to this, fluids can now be detected completely contactlessly from outside the tank wall. The sensors reliably detect fluid properties even in closed containers and hoses. This increases process reliability enormously and enables safe use even in hygiene-sensitive or closed systems.

Wide Range of Applications with High Measuring Accuracy and Low Costs

The QCRC sensors cover a wide range of capacitive (typ. 1 fF to 1000 fF) and conductive measured values (conductance from approx. 0.01 to 1000 mS). This makes them suitable for detecting a wide range of substances – from gases and liquids to highly viscous substances and solids. They are typically used in food processing, medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry as well as in IoT and consumer applications.

Evaluation Kit for Easy Integration

EBE offers a comprehensive evaluation kit for the QCRC sensor for quick evaluation. It contains all the necessary components for commissioning and allows users to test the sensor technology directly in their application. This enables rapid integration into series products and significantly shortens the development time. With the QCRC series, EBE thus offers a compact, robust and ready-to-use sensor solution for high-precision detection of fluid properties – ideal for demanding OEM applications with high cost and process reliability requirements.