The design, operating principle and pros and cons of potentiometric, optical and magnetoresistive steering angle sensors.
Steering angle sensors measure rotation over a 1440-degree range, about four full turns of the wheel, and are usually mounted on the steering column or the rack’s valve housing. MSG Equipment explains the three main types:
- Potentiometric (resistive): two potentiometers set 90 degrees apart provide the angle; sliding contacts make it less durable.
- Optical: infrared light passes through an encoder disc to a receiver, and the resulting pulses give direction and angle.
- Magnetoresistive: uses elements whose resistance changes in a magnetic field; the most complex type.
The control unit calculates direction and angle from these signals, and the electric power steering assists the driver accordingly.