What does PTK's gyro compensation do? How do MEMS gyro + accelerometer + Kalman filter work?

A standard MEMS inclination sensor uses the gravity vector as its reference: the accelerometer measures the projection of gravity on each axis and trigonometry converts that to angle. As long as the sensor is not in motion this works perfectly — but when the sensor accelerates, vibrates, or changes direction, the accelerometer sees gravity plus motion acceleration together and the angle reading drifts, producing an incorrect value . PTK solves this. In addition to the accelerometer it includes a 3-axis MEMS gyroscope ; the gyro measures angular rate (°/s) and is independent of motion in the short term . PTK firmware fuses both sources with a Kalman filter : Gyro → tells you how much you rotated in the short term (drift-resistant but drifts long term). Accelerometer → provides the gravity reference long term (sensitive to motion noise short term). Kalman → takes a confidence-weighted average of both signals; the result is a drift-free, motion-immune angle. Practical outcome: even while a crane boom is swaying under load, a ship is rolling on waves, or a mobile machine is accelerating, 0.05° static accuracy is maintained .

What's the difference between PTK6 and PTK7? Which one should I pick?

The two models are electrically and algorithmically identical — same gyro compensation, same 0.05° accuracy, same CANopen/J1939 output. The difference is mechanical build and certification : PTK6 — General industrial: crane, mobile machinery, solar tracker, excavator, automotive. 316L stainless, IP67/IP69. The economical choice. PTK7 — Hygienic: smoother housing surface, FDA-compliant sealing, certified for aggressive wash-down (high-pressure + high-temperature detergent). For food, pharma, chemical, beverage industries. Rule: If the sensor will face daily CIP/SIP cleaning, chlorinated detergents, or 80°C+ steam, choose PTK7. Otherwise PTK6 is more economical and delivers identical performance.

When should I pick PTK29? What does the compact hermetic housing mean?

PTK29 is the compact version, only 80 g with M4 mounting (vs PTK6/7 ~390 g + M6). It adds two mechanical features: Hermetically sealed housing — gas-tight weld, up to IP69 protection. Longitudinal water barrier — water cannot capillary-creep along the cable into the housing; mandatory for marine use. Potted electronics — the entire PCB is encapsulated in epoxy resin; fully isolated from vibration and moisture. When to pick: mobile platform, small equipment, tight mounting envelope, periodic submersion, continuously wet or steamy environments. Trade-off: M4 mount + fixed 0.3 m cable + M12 — no field-replaceable cable (the combo is integral).

Why does PTK only offer CAN bus digital output? Is there an analog version?

No, there is no analog (0-10 V, 4-20 mA) output for PTK — this is a deliberate design choice. Reasons: Two axes + dynamic compensation produce multiple variables (X angle, Y angle, temperature, health status, calibration counter). Carrying these on a single analog wire is impossible. User-selectable axis orientation and resolution adjustment can only be configured over a digital bus. CAN bus is already the standard — modern industrial PLCs (CANopen) and mobile-machinery ECUs (SAE J1939) accept it directly; no extra converter needed. CANopen vs SAE J1939: CANopen for general industrial automation (PLC, elevator, solar tracker, robotics). SAE J1939 for mobile machinery and vehicle ECUs (crane, excavator, tractor, truck, automotive) — fixed 250 kbps, standard J1939 PGNs. If analog output is mandatory you must use a static POSITILT (PTAM2/PTAM5/PTAM6) — but accuracy under motion is not guaranteed.

What is user-selectable axis orientation? How is it configured in the field?

After PTK is installed you can choose which sensor axis is X and which is Y over the CAN bus. This provides a software solution instead of a mechanical adapter when the mounting orientation does not match a standard fixed orientation. A total of 6 orientations are supported (all main axes × both directions). The command is sent via CANopen SDO or a J1939 configuration message, written permanently to EEPROM, and applied automatically on next power-up. The configuration tool can be ASM's PC software or the customer's own PLC script. Important: This is not an order-code token at order time — every PTK unit supports all 6 orientations in the field. It is not part of the order code.

Why is the PTK measurement range fixed at ±180° on two axes? Can't I pick a narrower range?

On static POSITILT the measurement range is picked at order time (±15°, ±30°, ±60°, ±180°) because on an analog output a narrower range gives higher volts/degree resolution. PTK is digital , so this trade-off does not exist: The output is already a 32-bit float ; resolution is user-defined (≥0.01°) regardless of range. ±180° covers the full circle, so a single model covers all applications — no inventory complexity, no wrong-range risk. Linearity is given as a function of range: 0.05° (within ±30°), 0.1° (±60°), 0.2° (±180°) . If your application stays within ±30° you get the same accuracy as a static POSITILT. Two axes are fixed because the gyro is 3-axis — whatever way the sensor rotates, compensation runs on all three axes anyway.

What is the budget-performance comparison between PTK and static POSITILT?

PTK is 30-50% more expensive than the equivalent static POSITILT (gyro + filter IP + digital firmware). Use the following scenarios as guidance: Solar tracker (static position monitoring) → Static POSITILT is sufficient. Motion is too slow for gyro compensation to matter. Mobile excavator (accelerating arm) → PTK is mandatory. During acceleration a static sensor produces wrong values. Stationary crane boom (unloaded) → Static is enough. Stationary crane boom (swaying under load) → PTK recommended; mandatory if high accuracy is required. Structural tilt monitoring (bridge, tower) → Static is enough (deformation is slow). Ship pitch+roll (wave influence) → PTK mandatory — wave frequency constantly accelerates the sensor. Total cost of ownership (TCO): re-installation + lost production + customer complaints from picking the wrong sensor exceed the PTK price premium by 10× . When in doubt, pick PTK.

How are warranty, calibration and regional support handled for PTK?

Warranty: ASM Sensor's standard 24-month manufacturer warranty applies. To register, send the datasheet serial number to IMB Electric. Calibration: Every PTK is factory-calibrated and can ship with an accredited calibration certificate (option, on request). The certificate's traceability complies with DAkkS / DKD. Typical recalibration interval is 2-3 years, 1 year in heavy industry. IMB Electric support: As ASM Sensor's authorised distributor for Türkiye, Middle East, North Africa and Western Asia, we provide technical selection consulting, fast stock delivery, local technical service, RMA management and application engineering. For system integration (CANopen EDS files, J1939 PGN mapping, PLC sample code) contact our technical team .

B2B · PRODUCT SERIES · ASM GMBHREF · IMB · ASM GMBH · POSITILT® PTK — GYRO-COMPENSATED INCLINATION SENSORS

LIVE

ASM GmbH · PRODUCT SERIES

ASM GmbH POSITILT® PTKGyro-Compensated Inclination Sensors

Accurate tilt even in motion. The 3-axis MEMS gyroscope + MEMS accelerometer combo with Kalman filtering delivers the same 0.05° static accuracy while the sensor moves, vibrates, rocks on waves, or accelerates. ±180° two-axis, CANopen / SAE J1939, 316L stainless, IP67-IP69.

POSITILT PTK is ASM Sensor's premium family for dynamic inclination measurement. Standard POSITILT MEMS sensors are limited to static or slow motion — when the sensor moves, vibrates, or accelerates, the gravity reference drifts. The PTK series overcomes this limit: in addition to the MEMS accelerometer, it includes a 3-axis MEMS gyroscope; the gyro measures angular velocity in real time, and the motion component is separated from the gravity reading by Kalman filtering. Result: 0.05° static accuracy is maintained even when the sensor is in motion.

Typical applications: continuous boom-angle monitoring on loaded cranes, precise active solar-tracker positioning, mobile excavator-arm position feedback, ship pitch+roll under wave influence, automotive rollover dynamic detection, robotic-arm orientation control during fast motion. While standard POSITILT offers a 30-50% economic advantage, PTK is the only option when accurate measurement during motion is mandatory.

The PTK family has 3 models:

PTK6 / PTK7 — Standard Industrial Dynamic: 316L stainless, M6 mounting, IP67/IP69, ~390 g, M12 5-pin connector (axial/radial). PTK6 for general industry; PTK7 additionally suitable for hygienic applications (food, pharma, chemical — wash-down certified).
PTK29 — Compact Hermetic: 316L stainless, M4 mounting, up to IP69, only 80 g, hermetically sealed housing + longitudinal water barrier + potted electronics. For tight spaces + continuously wet environments.

All PTK models offer CANopen or SAE J1939 digital output — no analog version. This enables direct integration into modern industrial automation (PLC, CAN-bus systems) and mobile machinery (J1939 standard). User-selectable axis orientation can be field-programmed (optional feature).

Limited static or in-motion — still honest: The PTK series also works under static conditions (the user can choose PTK over standard POSITILT), but carries a 30-50% cost premium. Unnecessary investment for stationary applications — in that case, standard POSITILT is recommended. PTK is economically justified when: the equipment is in motion during measurement.

Models: 3Range: ±180°, 2 axes (fixed)Static accuracy: 0.05° (within ±30°)Dynamic accuracy: 0.05° (in motion too)Resolution: ≥0.01° (user-adjustable)Temperature: -40°C / +85°COutput: CANopen / SAE J1939Housing: 316L stainlessIP67-IP69 protectionVibration: 20 g 10 Hz-2 kHzShock: 100 g / 11 ms

REFERENCE SPECIMENPOSITILT® PTK — GYRO-COMPENSATED INCLINATION SENSORS · 01

INDUSTRIALPOSITION SENSORASM GMBH

Models

Configurable

Standard Industrial Dynamic (PTK6, PTK7) — 2 models

2 models · 4-20 mA output

2 MODELS8 PRODUCTS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPMeasurement Range:±180°, 2 eksenStatic Accuracy:0.05° (±30°)Dynamic Accuracy:0.05° (motion compensated)Output:CANopen / SAE J1939Protection:IP67/IP69Weight:~390 gConnection:M12 5-pin axial veya radial

Model	Application Type	Datasheet
PTK6	General industrial (crane, mobile machinery, solar tracker)	Datasheet (PDF) — PTK6

PTK7	Hygienic (food, pharma, chemical — wash-down certified)	Datasheet (PDF) — PTK7

Compact Hermetic (PTK29) — 1 model

1 models · 4-20 mA output

1 MODELS2 PRODUCTS

Configurator	Model	Measurement Range	Static Accuracy	Dynamic Accuracy	Output	Protection	Housing Feature	Weight	Connection	Datasheet
	PTK29	±180°, 2 axes	0.05° (±30°)	0.05° (motion compensated)	CANopen / SAE J1939	up to IP69	Hermetic + longitudinal water barrier + potted electronics	~80 g (kablo hariç / without cable)	Cable 0.3 m + M12 5-pin (fixed combo)	Datasheet (PDF) — PTK29

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the POSITILT® PTK — Gyro-Compensated Inclination Sensors series

08/08

+2 MORE QUESTIONSALL QUESTIONS

RELATED INSIGHTS · POSITILT® PTK — GYRO-COMPENSATED INCLINATION SENSORSREF · IMB · PUB · 05 ENTRIES

LIVE

RELATED INSIGHTS

Go deeper

05 ENTRIES

// end of index · 05 / 05

ASM GmbH POSITILT® PTKGyro-Compensated Inclination Sensors

About the POSITILT® PTK — Gyro-Compensated Inclination Sensors series

Go deeper

Kalman Filtre ile MEMS İvmeölçer + Gyro Füzyon

PTK7 Hijyenik Eğim Sensörü: Wash-Down Güvenliği

SAE J1939 ile Mobil Makine Entegrasyonu

Vinç Bom Yük Taşırken Sürekli Açı İzlem

Gemi Pitch ve Roll Dalga Etkisi Altında Sürekli Ölçüm

ASM GmbH POSITILT® PTKGyro-Compensated Inclination Sensors

About the POSITILT® PTK — Gyro-Compensated Inclination Sensors series

01What does PTK's gyro compensation do? How do MEMS gyro + accelerometer + Kalman filter work?

02What's the difference between PTK6 and PTK7? Which one should I pick?

03When should I pick PTK29? What does the compact hermetic housing mean?

04Why does PTK only offer CAN bus digital output? Is there an analog version?

05What is user-selectable axis orientation? How is it configured in the field?

06Why is the PTK measurement range fixed at ±180° on two axes? Can't I pick a narrower range?

Go deeper

Kalman Filtre ile MEMS İvmeölçer + Gyro Füzyon

PTK7 Hijyenik Eğim Sensörü: Wash-Down Güvenliği

SAE J1939 ile Mobil Makine Entegrasyonu

Vinç Bom Yük Taşırken Sürekli Açı İzlem

Gemi Pitch ve Roll Dalga Etkisi Altında Sürekli Ölçüm