Magnetostrictive displacement sensors are widely adopted in hydraulic cylinder positioning, metallurgical machinery, injection molding machines, mobile machinery and other fields thanks to their non-contact measurement, high precision and superior reliability. Nevertheless, during product selection, the signal output type directly determines compatibility between the sensor and control system, data transmission reliability and overall application cost. Faced with multiple output options including analog, SSI, CANopen, Profibus, Start/Stop and Profinet, engineers often struggle to identify the optimal solution for their systems. Therefore, this article analyzes the advantages and typical application scenarios of these six mainstream output types one by one, and provides clear guidelines for model selection.

I. Detailed Introduction to Six Signal Output Types

1. Analog Output (4–20 mA / 0–10 V)

Analog output is the most traditional and universal output form. It linearly converts the displacement measured by TEC magnetostrictive displacement sensors into continuous current (4–20 mA) or voltage (0–10 V) signals.

Interface Features Universal compatibility: Supported by nearly all PLCs and instruments; no additional communication modules required for easy integration.

Cost-effective: Offers excellent cost performance for systems with limited measuring points and simple network architecture.

Fault diagnosis function: The 4–20 mA current signal adopts a live-zero design, enabling rapid detection of cable breakage and preventing unintended equipment operation caused by signal loss.

Typical Applications TEC magnetostrictive displacement sensors with analog output are recommended for traditional industrial control systems or equipment retrofitting projects with moderate budget, moderate precision requirements (e.g. ±0.1% F.S.) and relatively short transmission distances (generally within 100 meters).

2. SSI (Synchronous Serial Interface)

SSI is a high-speed synchronous serial communication interface developed for high-precision, high-real-time displacement detection, serving as a core option for precision control applications.

Interface Features High speed & high precision: Delivers micrometer-level resolution (≤1 μm), far exceeding analog output.

Strong anti-interference capability: Effectively suppresses impacts from electromagnetic interference in industrial sites.

Wide compatibility: As an industrial standard interface, SSI is compatible with most PLCs, controllers and sensor equipment, facilitating system integration and replacement, and lowering costs for equipment upgrading or retrofitting.

Typical Applications Scenarios demanding high precision and strong anti-interference performance, such as high-precision closed-loop servo control, automatic gauge control (AGC) for metallurgical rolling mills and precision machine tool positioning.

3. CANopen

CANopen is a high-level communication protocol built on the CAN bus, supporting networked communication with multiple nodes.

Interface Features Multi-master network: Supports up to 127 nodes for flexible data exchange.

Rich information transmission: Transmits process data (position values) and parameter data (configuration, diagnosis). Sensors can be configured remotely to facilitate predictive maintenance.

Reliable long-distance transmission: Maintains high stability over long cable runs.

High real-time performance: Fast communication speed, suitable for applications requiring high data transmission rates.

Note: A CANopen master station is required for sensors with CANopen output. Protocol configuration involves certain complexity, demanding relevant technical expertise, and the overall hardware cost is higher than analog and SSI interfaces.

Typical Applications Multi-joint position detection on construction machinery, agricultural machinery, special vehicles and other mobile equipment.

4. Start/Stop Pulse Interface

Start/Stop is a simple digital pulse output type. It realizes displacement counting and control through combined pulse and direction signals, making it a preferred choice for low-cost digital control systems.

Interface Features Simple and intuitive: Easy to connect and compatible with counters or basic controllers.

Flexible measurement: Ultimate precision depends on the timing performance of the controller; ultra-high repeatability can be achieved with high-performance controllers.

Moderate anti-interference performance: Digital pulse signals feature certain immunity to interference.

Cost-efficient: Simple interface structure while delivering outstanding repeat positioning accuracy.

Typical Applications TEC sensors with this signal output are suitable for economical positioning systems, hydraulic cylinder position feedback, and occasions where position calculation is completed by dedicated controllers.

5. Profibus-DP

Profibus-DP is a variant of the Profibus protocol family designed for high-speed communication of distributed peripheral devices in factory automation, once one of the most widely used fieldbuses in the industry.

Interface Features High popularity and maturity: Mature industrial protocol with broad compatibility; seamlessly connects with Siemens PLCs, inverters and other devices without complicated protocol conversion, greatly simplifying system integration.

High transmission rate: Maximum speed up to 12 Mbps for ultra-fast response.

Robust anti-interference performance: Verified by long-term industrial operation, delivering superior stability compared with ordinary buses.

Typical Applications TEC magnetostrictive displacement sensors with Profibus-DP output can be adopted for automobile production lines, large hydraulic presses and systems integrated with Siemens control equipment.

6. Profinet

Profinet is a fieldbus protocol based on Industrial Ethernet. As the mainstream signal output solution for Industry 4.0 and smart factories, it represents the high-end application direction of magnetostrictive displacement sensors.

Interface Features High-speed real-time performance: Supports microsecond-level synchronous motion control and massive data throughput.

Intelligent big data transmission: Transmits control data, diagnostic information and status data simultaneously, enabling predictive maintenance.

Multi-device coordination: Supports synchronous control of multiple sensors and actuators for complex systems.

Note: Deployment requires hardware such as industrial switches and dedicated Ethernet cables. Protocol configuration is complex and calls for solid professional technical capabilities.

Typical Applications Large-scale intelligent production lines, high-end equipment and other scenarios with stringent requirements for intelligence and real-time performance.

II. Selection Reference Table & Guidelines

The table below comprehensively compares the six output types from multiple core dimensions to support rapid selection.

It can be seen that each type of signal output boasts its unique advantages. If minimum cost and simplest integration are prioritized, analog or Start/Stop output can be selected. For ultra-high precision and fast response, SSI output is recommended. When a large number of nodes are deployed on site, CANopen is the preferred option. For legacy Siemens systems, magnetostrictive displacement sensors with Profibus-DP output shall take precedence. For future-oriented applications requiring high-speed synchronization and massive data transmission, Profinet is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

In field applications, there is no absolutely optimal interface — only the most suitable one.