FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BOKAM INTRODUCES an ultra-precision MULTI-AXIS FORCE
SENSOR for industrial and marine applications Santa Ana, Calif. -- To meet the previously impossible
demand for smaller packages with increased functionality for cursor/motion control and small force resolution and measurement, Bokam Engineering introduces the DX -352 Sensor. Evolving from the best
characteristics of Bokam's award-winning thick-film, strain sensitive technology, the DX-352 offers a tiny, yet more robust and far more economical alternative to multi-axis proportional joy sticks and conventional
force measurement devices. Originally developed for stringent military man-machine interface applications, the DX-352's ruggedness, long cycle life and water resistance (The
device has even been demonstrated working while submerged in boiling water) make it an ideal input device for cursor and motion control in OEM packages as diverse as medical equipment, military, industrial and other
ruggedized man-machine interface packages, test and measurement instrumentation, and other motion control systems. The DX-352 has also gained wide acceptance as a truly micro-miniature force proportional joystick
with even greater precision and reliability than other force proportional devices nearly twice its size. Measuring only 0.6" in diameter, the DX-352 utilizes Bokam's
proprietary process which allows the imbedding of strain sensitive circuitry on to solid steel suffices without the use of epoxy or other unstable materials. The result is a very small, convenient package which
gives OEM manufacturers the ability to embed robust proportional and linear multi-axis force measurement and motion or cursor control functionality into space-sensitive and environmentally demanding applications.
Bokam Sensor Construction and Technology Bokam Engineering's innovative sensing technology has gained wide
credence throughout the electronics industry. A previous Bokam sensor series, the DX-360/380, was recognized as Innovation of the Year by Electronic Design News (EDN) in 1998. Another model, The Aurora
Series, was named finalist for Innovation of the Year for 1997. Dr. Boris Kamentser, the company's founder, was a finalist for EDN's Innovator of the Year Award in both 1997 and 1998. The marine version of
the DX-360 product line was named one of top 100 new products of the year by a European Medical Design Magazine for 1999. And The DX-series was named Editors Choice by a leading Electrical Design Magazine.
The DX-352's small but sturdy design begins with a solid steel base. An elaborate network of conductive thick-film strain-sensitive elements is applied to a machined
stainless steel surface. Bokam's proprietary manufacturing method assures that the only part of the sensor that comes in contact with the environment is the un-coated stainless steel surface.
The strain-sensitive materials on the back of the sensor are capable of detecting even microscopic strain in the sensor base, and resolve the applied force into two distinct
outputs proportional to the X, and Y component of the force vector. The elastic nature of the steel surface and the absence of a bond or glue line between the
strain-sensitive materials and stainless steel surface combine to yield a significantly higher output than that of ceramic or discrete strain gage on metal devices. The sensor portion of the DX-352 consists of a
monolithic stainless steel element with machined mounting ring, sensing circular plate and perpendicular post for translation of input force into circular plate strain. The strain-sensitive circuitry artwork
located on the circular sensing plate features a bridge circuit that changes resistance and output with the strain in the outer surface of the of the steel. The resulting signal is proportional and linear to the
applied force. In force measurement applications, the DX-352 can be used as a one-piece two-axis force measurement transducer that detects both the directionality and the
magnitude of the applied force. In motion control applications, this device allows the user to position and control the rate of an object's motion with just a touch of the finger to the top of the post.
DX-352 Sensor Advantages
The DX-352 comes with all of the technological innovations of Bokam's DX-300 product line built into an even smaller, yet more robust package. The many advantages of this
new sensor design concept include:
Ø Micro-miniature size comparable to the smallest ceramic-based embedded cursor control sticks. Ø Super ruggedized construction with overload capabilities. Ø Multi-Axis force measurement and cursor or motion control capabilities. Ø
Adjustable interface with any post height capability. Ø Stainless steel body allows operation of the sensor even when
submerged in boiling water or exposed to temperature extremes or corrosive chemicals. Ø Solid monolithic
construction - no moving or rubbing parts ensure a virtually unlimited life span, at least as long as the steel itself. Ø No bond or glue lines between the strain-sensitive materials and the steel - strain-sensitive materials are embedded into the steel, creating an interface that
does not creep or change with time, eliminating the need to ever re-calibrate. Ø Drop-in and use mechanical
design - easy four-bolt circle for mounting and single tapped hole force input enable the sensor to be inserted into virtually any application with minimal system redesign.
System Options The DX-352
series offers two smart sensor options with a variety of gain adjustments and settings. The cursor control system provides a standard cursor control PS2 output for direct interface with computer-based
systems. The motion control and force measurement package provides a 0-5V proportional signal, readily understood by any automation or instrumentation systems. About Bokam Engineering
BOKAM ENGINEERING, INC. was founded in 1980 to serve
the design and development needs of customers who require state-of-the-art electromechanical technology. Rapidly expanding beyond its initial charter, Bokam became a leader in high-tech sensor development and
production, creating a unique product line that has continuously expanded to serve all major sensor and instrumentation applications. DX-352 SPEC SUMMARY
Parameter |
DX-352 |
Number of Sensing Axes |
2 |
Maximum Force for Nominal Post Height |
0-30 Lb. |
Sensor Size |
0.625" O.D. 0.300" Thick |
Nominal Sensor Output in Each Axis |
2.5V+/- 0.02V |
System Repeatability |
0.50% |
Linearity |
1% |
Minimum System Resolution |
0.5% |
Temperature Range: Operational Non-Operational |
-40°C to 75°C -40°C to 125°C |
Humidity Range |
100% |
Submergibility |
May be submerged in up to 4 feet of water |
Operational Life |
1x107 cycles |
Weight |
5 grams |
|
