Q: Why can't I use an M12 cable for the PRAS26 model? Which cable is needed?

The PRAS26 model uses a different connector from other PRAS Magnetic Angle Sensors. While standard PRAS1/2/3/5/6/7/etc. models use the M12 5-pin standard connector, PRAS26 uses a special TE 3-pin connector . Correct Cable: Order Code: CONN-TE-3F-G-LITZE-0,5M Description: 3-pin TE connector + 0.5 m open-ended cable Use: Special mating connector only for PRAS26 model. Not compatible with other PRAS models. Why a Special Connector? The PRAS26 model has a compact + low-profile design — for space-constrained OEM applications (e.g., small joysticks, compact motor-shaft position). The standard M12 connector physically doesn't fit; TE 3-pin has a smaller profile. Typical PRAS26 Applications: Compact joystick (mobile-machinery control) Small motor-shaft position Limited space + low-profile requirement Low-cost + simple applications (only 3-wire analog) Order Recommendation: When ordering a PRAS26 sensor, separately order the CONN-TE-3F-G-LITZE-0,5M mating connector. 0.5 m standard length — if longer needed, extend at the open end (straight extension only, no connector). Comparison: Standard PRAS (PRAS1/2/3/etc.) → M12 connector → standard KAB-{2/5/10/15/20}M-M12/4F/G or /W -LITZE cables PRAS26 special → TE 3-pin connector → only CONN-TE-3F-G-LITZE-0,5M NOTE: If an M12-connector version of PRAS26 is needed, it can be ordered specially from ASM — however, physical size may change. IMB Electric engineering team reviews alternatives.

Question 1

How do I choose between a magnetic angle sensor (POSIROT) and a potentiometric angle sensor (AWS)?

Accepted Answer

Decision rule: wear tolerance, cycle count, accuracy, and cost.

Choose POSIROT (Magnetic) when:
• Contactless is critical — no physical contact between magnet and sensor. Zero wear, millions of rotations of life.
• High-cycle application — 100+ rotations per minute, continuous operation. Potentiometers typically wear out after 50,000-100,000 cycles.
• Outdoor, dust, water, vibration — magnetic technology is immune to these.
• Digital output needed (Incremental, SSI, CANopen, J1939) — POSIROT offers rich digital interfaces.
• ATEX explosive-dust areas — only POSIROT EX models are certified (PRAS2EX/3EX/5EX).
• Typical use: crane boom angles, valve control, operating tables, solar tracking, wind energy.

Choose POSIROT AWS (Potentiometric) when:
• Budget is critical — 40-50% cheaper than POSIROT magnetic.
• Low-medium cycle — a few rotations per hour, mechanical wear acceptable.
• Simple analog output sufficient — potentiometer R/W resistance or 0-10 V.
• Typical use: measurement instruments, set-point potentiometers, economical OEM devices.

Rule of thumb: Mobile machinery + heavy industry + long life → POSIROT magnetic. Economical OEM device + low cycle → POSIROT AWS potentiometric. Practical reality: in the Türkiye market, POSIROT magnetic is the dominant choice — long life and low maintenance cost quickly offset the potentiometric premium.

Question 2

Housing selection: Thermoplastic (PRAS20/21/26), Aluminum (PRAS2/3), Stainless Steel (PRAS5/6/29), ATEX (PRAS2EX/3EX/5EX) — which goes where?

Accepted Answer

POSIROT comes in 4 different housing materials. Choice follows environmental conditions + budget + certification requirements.

1) Thermoplastic / Epoxy Fibreglass (PRAS20, PRAS21, PRAS26):
• IP60 — dust protection only, no water.
• Economical OEM solution, lowest cost.
• Compact size — PRAS26 in particular is ultra-flat OEM.
• Use: Door hinges, office equipment, light industry, small valves, indicator dials.
• Limit: Not outdoor, no liquid contact, not heavy industry.

2) Plastic + IP67 (PRAS27/PRDS27):
• High-IP version of the plastic housing.
• Outdoor + dirt, but no wash-down.
• Acceptable for mobile-machinery OEM.

3) Aluminum (PRAS2/PRDS2, PRAS3/PRDS3):
• IP67/IP69 (with mating connector) — outdoor + wash-down.
• Aluminum is light + sturdy + dissipates heat well.
• Mid-segment industry — factory interior, mobile machinery, not aggressive environments.
• Full digital output support (Incremental, SSI, CAN, J1939).

4) Stainless Steel 316L (PRAS1/PRDS1, PRAS4, PRAS5/PRDS5, PRAS6/PRDS6, PRAS7/PRDS7, PRAS29/PRDS29):
• IP67/IP69 standard, PRAS29 up to IP69, PRAS5 IP68 option.
• Premium industry — marine, chemical, food hygienic, wash-down.
• Laser-welded hermetic sealing — stainless + waterproof.
• FDA / GMP-compatible surface.
• Largest model selection (6 models).

5) ATEX Dust-Ex Proof (PRAS2EX, PRAS3EX, PRAS5EX):
• 316L stainless + II 3D Ex tc IIIC T80°C Dc X certification.
• Usable in Zone 21/22 explosive-dust areas.
• IP65 (ATEX standard).
• Use: Grain silos, flour mills, coal mining, woodworking, pharmaceutical dust processing.

Quick decision:
• Light indoor OEM, budget → PRAS20/21/26 (thermoplastic)
• Standard factory + wash-down → PRAS2/3 (aluminum)
• Heavy industry + long life + digital output → PRAS1/5/6/29 (stainless)
• Explosive-dust area → PRAS2EX/3EX/5EX

Question 3

PRAS vs PRDS — how do I choose between single output and redundant (dual channel) versions?

Accepted Answer

Most POSIROT models come in two versions: PRAS (Single output) and PRDS (Dual output / Redundant). The difference depends on the functional safety requirement.

PRAS (Single Output) — Standard:
• Single output channel, single Hall-effect element.
• Typical use: standard industrial — crane boom angle, valve position feedback, solar tracking.
• If the sensor fails, the signal is lost; PLC alarms, machine stops.
• Sufficient for most applications.

PRDS (Dual Output / Redundant) — Functional Safety:
• Two independent output channels, two separate Hall-effect elements.
• Both channels measure the same angle independently and output the same signal.
• Required for functional safety (SIL-1, SIL-2) certification.
• If one channel fails, the other continues → fail-safe.
• PLC continuously compares both channels; alarms if deviation exceeds 5°.
• Typical use: Crane load-chart calculation, lift door control, medical device angle feedback, automotive vehicle angle sensors (rollover detection).

Decision criteria:
• Is SIL certification required? YES → PRDS mandatory.
• Is single-sensor failure unacceptable? YES → PRDS.
• Machine safety category PL d or PL e? YES → PRDS.
• Routine maintenance is performed, single channel sufficient → PRAS.

Cost: PRDS typically 30-50% more expensive than PRAS — extra electronics + production QA + certification documentation.

Which models have PRDS? PRAS1, PRAS2, PRAS3, PRAS5, PRAS6, PRAS7, PRAS27, PRAS29 have PRDS counterparts. PRAS20, PRAS21, PRAS26, PRAS4 and EX models do not have PRDS counterparts (these models are not designed for functional safety).

Question 4

POSIROT magnet installation: magnet positioning, alignment, distance — practical rules?

Accepted Answer

A POSIROT magnetic angle sensor is a two-part system: a moving magnet (PCMAG) + a fixed sensor. System accuracy depends on correct magnet positioning.

1) Magnet Type:
ASM uses the PCMAG series of magnets — specifically calibrated for the sensor. Don't use standard neodymium or other magnets — the magnetic field profile differs and linearity/resolution will degrade.

2) Distance Between Magnet and Sensor:
• Typical: 1-5 mm (model-dependent, listed in datasheet).
• Maintaining this distance mechanically is critical — if it changes, the magnetic field strength changes and accuracy drops.
• Too close (<0.5 mm) risks mechanical contact; too far (>10 mm) weakens the signal.

3) Magnet Alignment:
• The magnet's magnetic axis (N-S line) must be parallel to the sensor's measurement axis.
• Axial offset tolerance typically ±1 mm (verify in datasheet for each PRAS model).
• Angular deviation (magnet tilt) must be below 3° — otherwise measurement is faulty.

4) Magnet Mounting:
• The magnet is mounted on the moving part (e.g., crane boom pivot, valve shaft, door hinge pin) via screw or adhesive.
• ASM offers multiple mounting options: M3 screw, ¼"-28 UNF, groove fixing.
• If the magnet is continuously under high vibration, screw mounting is recommended (adhesive may loosen over time).

5) Magnetic Protection:
• No strong magnetic sources near sensor and magnet (large motor, transformer, magnetic separator). Typical safe distance 50-100 mm.
• Ferromagnetic objects (iron, steel) distort the magnet's field. No ferromagnetic barrier (e.g., steel cover) between sensor and magnet.
• If the mounting surface is steel, a 2-3 mm spacer (plastic or aluminum) is needed between the magnet and surface.

6) Temperature Sensitivity:
• The neodymium magnet in PCMAG demagnetises above 150°C. POSIROT models operate at -40°C / +85°C standard.
• For very high-temperature environments, a samarium-cobalt magnet option exists (+200°C) — custom-order from ASM.

Question 5

What's the difference between the 3 ATEX dust-ex models (PRAS2EX, PRAS3EX, PRAS5EX)? Which to choose?

Accepted Answer

All three share the same certification level: II 3D Ex tc IIIC T80°C Dc X. The difference is in size, mounting, and detailed features.

PRAS2EX:
• ATEX version of PRAS2.
• Aluminum housing of PRAS2 replaced with 316L stainless + Ex certification.
• Standard M12 5-pin connector.
• Typical use: Standard angle monitoring in explosive-dust areas.

PRAS3EX:
• ATEX version of PRAS3.
• Different size/mounting from PRAS2EX.
• Same certification, same output interfaces.
• Typical use: Explosive-dust areas requiring PRAS3-size mounting.

PRAS5EX:
• ATEX version of PRAS5.
• The largest model — Ex version of PRAS5 from the stainless-rugged family.
• Larger mounting surface, sturdier build.
• Typical use: Explosive-dust + heavy-industry angle monitoring.

Decision:
1. First decide which PRAS version (PRAS2/3/5 by mounting + size + budget).
2. Pick its Ex variant (PRAS2 → PRAS2EX, PRAS3 → PRAS3EX, PRAS5 → PRAS5EX).

Which PRAS + use case:
• Mini OEM angle monitor in explosive-dust → PRAS2EX
• Standard industry + Ex → PRAS3EX
• Heavy industry + Ex → PRAS5EX

Standards:
• DIN EN 60079-0 (general ATEX)
• DIN EN 60079-31 (dust-ex specific)
• IIIC — all dust types (including conductive dust — coal, metal particles)
• T80°C — sensor surface temperature does not exceed 80°C (below most explosive-dust ignition temperatures)
• Dc X — Equipment Protection Level (Dust, category c, low impact energy 4 J tested)

Important: These models are certified only for explosive DUST (Zone 21/22). No certification for explosive GAS (Zone 0/1/2) — for petrochemical/refinery gas applications, don't use POSIROT EX; ASM custom-order Ex ia version is required.

Question 6

Output interface selection: Analog, Incremental encoder, SSI digital, CANopen, SAE J1939 — which goes where?

Accepted Answer

The POSIROT family supports 5 different modern industry-standard outputs. Choice depends on your PLC's input card.

1) Analog 0.5-10 V / 0-10 V Voltage:
• Industry standard, most PLC analog inputs support it.
• Limit: Voltage drop on cables longer than 100 m.
• Use: Fixed installation, control room within 100 m.

2) Analog 0.5-4.5 V Voltage:
• Automotive standard (especially mobile machinery, tractors). 0 V = error indicator.
• Use: Off-road vehicles, agricultural machinery, excavators.

3) Analog 4-20 mA Current (3-wire):
• Most robust analog option, noise-immune up to 1000 m.
• Use: Long-distance fixed installation, noisy industry.

4) Incremental Encoder Output (A/B + Z, 1-1024 ppr):
• Pulse count for angular position change. 1024 pulses per full rotation (360°).
• No absolute position — homing required.
• Use: High-speed rotating equipment (motor shaft speed, fan blade counting), classic encoder applications.

5) SSI Digital (12-16 bit):
• Synchronous Serial Interface. Absolute angular position with nanosecond accuracy.
• Requires PLC SSI input card.
• Use: High-accuracy CNC, robotics, precision positioning.

6) CANopen:
• Automotive-industry standard. 127 sensors per bus.
• Resolution 0.05° max (for POSIROT).
• Use: Mobile machinery, automotive ECU, multi-point monitoring.

7) SAE J1939:
• Heavy-vehicle standard — trucks, tractors, off-highway equipment.
• CANopen's J1939 variant.
• Use: Construction machinery (excavator, crane, tractor), heavy vehicles.

Decision table:
• Standard factory interior → 0-10 V Analog
• Long distance, noisy industry → 4-20 mA
• Mobile machinery, automotive → 0.5-4.5 V or CANopen
• Construction machinery (tractor, excavator) → SAE J1939
• High-accuracy CNC, robotics → SSI 16 bit
• Fast-rotating equipment → Incremental encoder

Question 7

How do I integrate the PRAS26 ultra-compact mini sensor into a door hinge, valve, or small device?

Accepted Answer

PRAS26, introduced by ASM in 2013, is an ultra-compact OEM mini angle sensor. Designed for tight-space applications — door hinges, small valves, office equipment, toy/robotic systems.

Size and weight:
• 8 g (without cable) — lightest in the POSIROT family.
• TE3 connector, 3-pin (compact OEM type).
• Epoxy fibreglass + thermoplastic housing — low cost, sufficient strength.
• IP60 — indoor sealed mount (no water).

Installation Scenarios:

1) Door Hinge Position:
• PRAS26 mounts around the hinge pin; a small PCMAG magnet attaches to the moving pin.
• As the door opens, the magnet rotates; sensor measures the angle 0-180°.
• Output: 0.5-4.5 V or 4-20 mA — connects to security PLC.
• Typical use: building security (door-ajar alarm), steriliser doors, fan covers.

2) Small Valve Feedback:
• PRAS26 around a manual or pneumatic valve shaft.
• Small magnet on the shaft (PCMAG).
• Output: 0.5-4.5 V to control PLC — operator sees if the valve is 50%, 75%, 100% open.
• Typical use: small water/gas valves, automatic dosing valves.

3) Robotic / Toy Joint Angle:
• PRAS26 integrated into a small robotic arm joint.
• Sensor feeds back joint angle as it rotates.
• Output: 0.5-4.5 V directly to Arduino or small PLC.
• Typical use: educational robots, servo feedback, hobby projects.

4) Panel Knobs / Measurement Devices:
• Rotary setting knob position — e.g., oven thermostat, music equipment.
• PRAS26 behind the knob, PCMAG beneath.
• Output: 0.5-10 V to analog control circuit.

Important Limits:
• PRAS26 is for indoor enclosed mounting. Outdoor or wash-down requires PRAS5/6 stainless.
• Accuracy ±0.5% f.s. — not sufficient for high-precision CNC or calibration (PRAS5/6 stainless offer ±0.3%).
• Single output — no redundant PRDS counterpart. For functional safety, choose PRAS2/3 PRDS versions.

For OEM device designers, the PRAS26 datasheet includes detailed dimensional drawings and mounting recommendations.

Question 8

What are the POSIROT warranty, calibration, and IMB Electric regional support conditions?

Accepted Answer

Warranty: ASM Sensor offers a 2-year manufacturer warranty on all POSIROT models. Out-of-warranty cases:
• Demagnetisation due to magnetic interference (near large motor/transformer)
• Ferromagnetic barrier between magnet and sensor
• High-temperature demagnetisation (>150°C neodymium limit)
• Mechanical impact damaging the housing
• Unauthorised opening or repair
• EX models used outside the explosive-zone classification

Calibration: POSIROT's magnetic technology is contactless — no mechanical wear, so calibration intervals are long. Typically 5-10 years. For field verification:
• Check sensor readings at full range (0° and 360°).
• Must remain within ±0.5% f.s. (plastic) or ±0.3% f.s. (stainless).
• IMB Electric provides accredited calibration services in Türkiye (TÜRKAK scope).

Magnet life: Standard PCMAG magnets (neodymium) are long-life — retain magnetism for 10+ years. The only limit is high temperature (>150°C) — in such environments, samarium-cobalt magnets (custom order) are required.

Sensor replacement: POSIROT electronics are contactless — no wear. Failure mode is typically external impact (housing damage), over-temperature, or magnetic interference. When the sensor is replaced, the magnet stays (PCMAG already calibrated).

EX models — special notes:
• ATEX certification requires annual inspection (DIN EN 60079-31).
• Mounting + earthing architecture must be in the plant's ATEX documentation.
• Maintenance must occur when no explosive atmosphere is present (hot work permit).
• IMB Electric engineering support offers full documentation packages for ATEX plants in Türkiye.

IMB Electric Regional Support:
IMB Electric is listed for Türkiye on ASM Sensor's official global distribution network, with authorisation extending to Türkiye + the Middle East + North Africa + Western Asia.

Regional services:
• Stock delivery (İstanbul İkitelli OSB)
• Fast quotation (24-48 hours)
• Accredited calibration and repair (TÜRKAK scope)
• Application-based engineering support — sensor + magnet selection, mounting help, ATEX documentation
• Local management of warranty processes
• Turkish + English + Arabic (for the Middle East) technical documentation
• Field training (on request)

Contact: info@imbelectric.com · +90 212 544 59 59 · imbelectric.com

Question 9

Why can't I use an M12 cable for the PRAS26 model? Which cable is needed?

Accepted Answer

The PRAS26 model uses a different connector from other PRAS Magnetic Angle Sensors. While standard PRAS1/2/3/5/6/7/etc. models use the M12 5-pin standard connector, PRAS26 uses a special TE 3-pin connector.

Correct Cable:

Order Code: CONN-TE-3F-G-LITZE-0,5M
Description: 3-pin TE connector + 0.5 m open-ended cable
Use: Special mating connector only for PRAS26 model. Not compatible with other PRAS models.

Why a Special Connector?

The PRAS26 model has a compact + low-profile design — for space-constrained OEM applications (e.g., small joysticks, compact motor-shaft position). The standard M12 connector physically doesn't fit; TE 3-pin has a smaller profile.

Typical PRAS26 Applications:

Compact joystick (mobile-machinery control)
Small motor-shaft position
Limited space + low-profile requirement
Low-cost + simple applications (only 3-wire analog)

Order Recommendation:

When ordering a PRAS26 sensor, separately order the CONN-TE-3F-G-LITZE-0,5M mating connector. 0.5 m standard length — if longer needed, extend at the open end (straight extension only, no connector).

Comparison:

Standard PRAS (PRAS1/2/3/etc.) → M12 connector → standard KAB-{2/5/10/15/20}M-M12/4F/G or /W -LITZE cables
PRAS26 special → TE 3-pin connector → only CONN-TE-3F-G-LITZE-0,5M

NOTE: If an M12-connector version of PRAS26 is needed, it can be ordered specially from ASM — however, physical size may change. IMB Electric engineering team reviews alternatives.

Question 10

How do I use POSIROT in a hot environment (near motors, oven outlets)? Are there high-temperature magnets?

Accepted Answer

POSIROT PRAS Magnetic sensors operate standard in -40°C ... +85°C. However, for proper operation, the position magnet must also withstand the operating temperature. ASM offers special high-temperature magnets for hot environments.

High-Temperature Magnet Models:

PRMAG22-T125 — high-temp version of PRMAG22 (Tmax 125°C)
PRMAG20-T125 — PRMAG20 high-temp
PRMAG21-T125 — PRMAG21 high-temp

Standard vs T125 Magnets:

Standard PRMAG magnets withstand Tmax +80°C.
T125 versions withstand Tmax +125°C.
Above +125°C requires special ferrite or samarium-cobalt magnets (on request).

Hot-Environment Applications:

Near electric motors: Motor housing typically 80-100°C, near-motor ambient 60-90°C → T125 magnet recommended.
Oven outlets / high-temp production: Hot presses, mould forming, steel mills → T125 mandatory.
Near exhaust manifolds: Automotive test cells, mobile-machinery engine compartment → T125.
Steam plants / boiler rooms: High temperature + humidity → T125 + high IP protection.

IMPORTANT — Sensor Temperature Limit:

T125 magnets do NOT change the sensor body's temperature limit. The PRAS sensor body still operates in -40 to +85°C. Since the magnet moves 5-15 mm away from the sensor body, the magnet can stay in a hot environment while the sensor body is in a cool environment — achievable with thermal insulation.

If the sensor body must also be in a hot (>85°C) environment:

Protect the sensor body with a heat shield
Design an air-cooling channel
Mount the sensor far away and use a long shaft + magnet (magnet hot, sensor cool)
Or order a full high-temperature sensor package specially from ASM (on request)

Decision Table:

Both sensor + magnet in -40 to +80°C → Standard PRMAG (PRMAG1/2/20/21/22)
Magnet in 80-125°C + sensor cool (≤85°C) → PRMAG-T125 + thermal insulation
Both sensor + magnet above 85°C → Special order or alternative technology

IMB Electric engineering team provides field assessment and magnet/sensor selection consulting for hot-environment applications.

About the POSIROT® — Magnetic Angle Sensors series

01How do I choose between a magnetic angle sensor (POSIROT) and a potentiometric angle sensor (AWS)?

02Housing selection: Thermoplastic (PRAS20/21/26), Aluminum (PRAS2/3), Stainless Steel (PRAS5/6/29), ATEX (PRAS2EX/3EX/5EX) — which goes where?

03PRAS vs PRDS — how do I choose between single output and redundant (dual channel) versions?

04POSIROT magnet installation: magnet positioning, alignment, distance — practical rules?

05What's the difference between the 3 ATEX dust-ex models (PRAS2EX, PRAS3EX, PRAS5EX)? Which to choose?

06Output interface selection: Analog, Incremental encoder, SSI digital, CANopen, SAE J1939 — which goes where?

07How do I integrate the PRAS26 ultra-compact mini sensor into a door hinge, valve, or small device?

08What are the POSIROT warranty, calibration, and IMB Electric regional support conditions?

09Why can't I use an M12 cable for the PRAS26 model? Which cable is needed?

10How do I use POSIROT in a hot environment (near motors, oven outlets)? Are there high-temperature magnets?