Linear Potentiometers

Festo Linear Potentiometers

Festo Linear Potentiometers provide a simple yet effective solution for measuring linear travel by translating the piston or actuator movement into a proportional analogue voltage output. They are widely used in automation systems where position feedback is required, for example in cylinders, rodless drives or general linear axes.

These devices combine compact construction, analogue output, and mechanical simplicity, making them a practical choice for applications where digital encoders may not be necessary or where cost-effectiveness is key.

⭐ Important: Linear potentiometers deliver analogue position feedback, easy integration, and mechanical reliability, making them suited for many automation and positioning tasks.

Design & Functionality

• The unit consists of a resistive track and a wiper connected to the moving part; as the moving element travels, the wiper changes the effective resistance, thus varying the output voltage. 
• Key features include:
  • Analogue voltage output (e.g., 0-10 V) proportional to displacement, enabling simple feedback circuits. 
  • Contacting measuring method, meaning the wiper moves across the resistive path, offering cost-effective feedback. 
  • Compact installation and mounting in linear actuators, cylinders or sliding axes.
  • Suitable for retrofit or new installations, especially where full digital encoders may be excessive.
• Because of the simple analogue principle, linear potentiometers offer good repeatability and ease of wiring.

⭐ Important: The analogue signal and mechanical simplicity of linear potentiometers make them an economical choice for position sensing where high precision is not paramount.

Total Crossed Beams

(Adapted for position coverage rather than literal beams)

• The potentiometer covers the full measurable travel of the moving element, ensuring full feedback coverage across stroke.
• This ensures consistent monitoring of travel, helping reduce unexpected overshoot and supporting reliable control.

Beam Pitch Options

(Here translated into stroke length and measuring range variants)

• Available in various measuring ranges, from short strokes up to several hundred millimetres (e.g., 225 mm measuring range) as seen in related models. 
• Output types typically analogue 0-10 V or 4-20 mA. 
• Mounting formats designed to integrate into cylinder slots or linear actuator bodies.

⭐ Important: The availability of multiple measuring ranges and output formats ensures flexibility to match different motion systems.

Intrinsic Synchronism

• The mechanical wiper linked to the moving part ensures direct correlation between physical position and electrical output—no external synchronisation is required.
• This results in straightforward integration, with minimal calibration needed for many applications.

Operational Advantages

• Simple and cost-effective position feedback for automation systems.
• Analog output meaning easy integration into PLCs or motion controllers without complex wiring.
• Compact size and mounting flexibility, suitable for cylinders, actuators or slide axes.
• Reliable mechanical principle, offering long service life when correctly installed.
• Applications: Position monitoring in pneumatic cylinders, linear actuators, rodless systems, and where analogue feedback suffices rather than full digital encoder resolutions.