TURBOSPEED SENSORS
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Accurate Technologies Inc. (ATI) is the exclusive North American distributor of PICOTURN® turbospeed sensors from ScioSense. Combining PICOTURN's proven sensing technology with ATI's application expertise and customer support, ATI provides engineers with reliable turbocharger speed measurement solutions backed by local technical assistance.
PICOTURN sensors use one-megahertz pulse induction with eddy current discrimination to measure compressor wheel speed directly through the compressor housing. The non-contact sensing method eliminates the need for optical access or modifications to rotating components, delivering reliable performance in demanding engine development, vehicle testing, and laboratory environments.
Whether you're developing passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, or engine test systems, ATI can help you identify the right PICOTURN solution for your application.
Why PICOTURN
Accurate turbocharger speed measurement is essential for engine development, calibration, durability testing, and performance validation. PICOTURN technology provides a reliable alternative to conventional measurement methods by detecting compressor wheel vanes directly rather than relying on optical systems or modified rotating components.
Using pulse induction with eddy current discrimination, PICOTURN delivers reliable measurements even in environments where dirt, oil, and dust can interfere with optical solutions. The technology supports turbocharger speeds up to 400,000 rpm and accommodates a wide range of compressor wheel designs, making it well suited for demanding development and testing applications.
PICOTURN Product Family
ATI offers the complete PICOTURN product family to support a variety of turbocharger measurement applications, from compact under-hood installations to modular laboratory systems and modern data acquisition platforms.
Measuring Method
The Measuring Method for Rotational Speed Sensors for Turbochargers
PICOTURN uses a sensor coil with a ferrite core. Together with a resistor, the coil forms an R-L network. When a compressor vane passes in front of the sensor, the metal vane changes the time constant of that network. The system measures this change with high precision, identifies each passing vane, and calculates rotational speed.
The time measurement resolution is approximately 125 ps, and the system can support sampling rates in the range of 1 to 3 million samples per second. Because the measurement is based on magnetic fields, it is not affected by dirt or other factors that can interfere with optical or electric-field-based methods.
For aluminum compressor wheels, the maximum usable distance between the sensor and wheel typically varies from approximately 0.8 mm for 32 mm wheels to 1.6 mm for 90 mm wheels. Sensor distance depends on turbocharger geometry, vane thickness, and wheel material.
PICOTURN PTCM V1.1
Compact Controller for PICOTURN 1G Sensors
PICOTURN PTCM V1.1 is a compact signal-conditioning box for first-generation PICOTURN sensors. It drives the sensor, converts the sensor signal to rotational speed, and provides the measured speed as a digital pulse output or analog voltage output.
The PTCM is based on the PICOTURN-BM V6.2 concept but uses a smaller housing and adds IP67 protection when the sensor is connected correctly. It is designed for use with PTSM first-generation sensors and is well suited for compact under-hood measurement setups.
Key Benefits:
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Compact, IP67-rated signal-conditioning box for space-constrained installations
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Compatible with standard and H-type PICOTURN 1G sensors
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Analog voltage and digital pulse outputs
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Supports turbocharger speeds up to 400,000 rpm
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Ideal for vehicle and engine test applications
Specifications
PICOTURN 1G
Original Turbocharger Speed Measurement System
PICOTURN 1G is the original PICOTURN turbocharger speed measurement system. It uses passive PTSM sensors connected to a PTBM V6.2 or PTBM V6.2L signal-conditioning box. The signal-conditioning box drives the sensor, converts the sensor signal to rotational speed, and provides the measured speed through a digital pulse interface or a 0.5 V to 4.5 V analog interface.
A 1G measurement system requires at least one PTBM V6.2 box and one compatible PTSM sensor. The sensor connects to the box with an SMB-type coaxial cable with two inner conductors.
Specifications
1G Sensor Options
Note: H-type sensors provide increased sensitivity and support a maximum peak sensor tip temperature of +270°C for up to 5 minutes.
PICOTURN 2G
Smart Rotational Speed Sensors
PICOTURN 2G sensors provide a smart sensor approach for turbocharger rotational speed measurement. The 2G system uses the same basic inductive measurement principle while integrating electronics closer to the sensor assembly for easier connection into compatible measurement systems.
The open system architecture and modular design make PICOTURN 2G suitable for stand-alone integration into existing data acquisition setups. The sensor provides a digital TTL/CMOS output and is available in standard and H-type versions.
Important compatibility note: PICOTURN 1G and 2G components are not compatible and should be treated as separate systems.
Key Benefits:
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Integrated smart sensor architecture
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Direct TTL/CMOS digital output
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Multiple sensor lengths and thread options
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Standard and H-type sensor versions
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Designed for modern data acquisition systems
Compatibility Note: PICOTURN 1G and PICOTURN 2G components are separate systems and are not interchangeable.
Specifications
Power Supply Note: For proper zero-speed indication, PICOTURN 2G sensors require a low-noise 5 VDC power supply. Linear voltage regulators are generally suitable; switching regulators are not recommended.
2G Sensor Options
Note: Standard 2G sensors support a maximum peak sensor tip temperature of +250°C for up to 5 minutes. H-type sensors support a maximum peak sensor tip temperature of +270°C for up to 5 minutes while providing increased sensitivity for demanding applications.
Accessories
Online purchasing is available in the US, UK, EU, and India. If online purchasing is not available in your location, please contact your regional sales office.
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