Cost-effective Eddy Current Probe replacement
Non-Contact Displacement Transducer
Miniature size
High sampling rate
Ultra-low power consumption
Nanometre accuracy
Long transmission range
Why Choose Our NCDT Over Traditional Eddy Current Probes?
| Eddy Current Probe | Our NCDT | Your Advantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| System | Bulky external driver & cables | All-in-one probe | Plug-and-play simplicity |
| Size | Large, heavy system footprint | Lightweight & miniature | Wider range of applications inc. high-speed rotating components |
| Connection | Wired only, high power | Wired or wireless, ultra-low power | Total installation freedom |
| Maintenance | Complex recalibration needed | Swap & go, minimal recalibration | Reduce downtime and costs |
| Cost | High total cost of ownership | No expensive extras | Superior performance, lower cost |
Replace your complex eddy current system with a single, smart sensor. Our all-in-one gap measurement sensor delivers wireless freedom, effortless installation, and superior data – without the clutter, cost, or compromise.
Key Benefits of the Non-Contact Displacement Transducer
Uncompromised Precision in a Miniature Package
Achieve nanometre-level resolution and high-speed data (up to 4 ksps) for critical measurements like oil film thickness and vibration, all from a probe housed in an ultra-compact, M6 threaded rod. The gap measurement sensor's small size and lightweight design (just 80g) allow for easy integration into the tightest spaces on test rigs and machinery.
Simplified Installation
Eliminate the clutter, cost, and hassle of bulky external driver boxes required by traditional eddy current probes. With the displacement sensor's built-in driver and the option for a wireless model, installation is faster and more flexible, enabling monitoring in locations where access is limited or wiring is impractical.
Intelligent, Long-Lasting Battery for Minimal Maintenance
The wireless version features an integrated, rechargeable battery that provides over 30 hours of continuous streaming or several months of operation in intelligent sleep mode. This ultra-low power consumption drastically reduces maintenance needs and intervention, enhancing cost-effectiveness.
Built for Demanding Industrial Environments
Engineered for reliability with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, built-in thermal compensation, and IP65 sealing (oil-resistant). Our non-contact displacement sensor delivers stable, accurate performance in harsh conditions, from rotating machinery to automated production lines.
Immediate Insights with Local or Remote Monitoring
Gain flexibility in data acquisition with either a standard 0-3V analogue output for direct connection to your DAQ system or, wirelessly, to the Global Data Network (GDN) for remote logging, instant alerts, and actionable data insights.
Precision Made Simple
Eliminate bulky systems, cut costs, and gain immediate high precision insights
Available as a wired or wireless system, the Non-Contact Displacement Transducer captures extremely high precision measurements of displacement, distance and thickness for a range of industrial needs such as component or bearing wear over time, brake performance, shaft orbiting, and distortion in the rotating frame of reference. The miniature probe features a built-in driver, removing the need for bulky external systems, and enabling hassle-free installation. IP65 sealing, oil resistance, and temperature stability over the full industrial temperature range allows integration into a range of components, and operation in most industrial environments.
Unlike other non-contact displacement sensors, the NCDT offers a wireless option for flexible integration, which includes an integrated, rechargeable battery and intelligent sleep mode, all within the miniature probe body.
Specifications
- Wireless (2.4 GHz ISM radio), or wired
- Measures resolutions below 1 µm, with a full measurement range of 0.5-5.5 mm (customisable)
- Mass: 80 g
- Size: 115.5 x ⌀21.5 mm (including antenna, wireless version)
- Compatible to the full industrial temperature range (-40 to +85 ºC)
- IP65 sealed (sensor end)
- Option for customised sensing tips, depending on required resolution and full range.
- Wired version:
- Requires an external 5 VDC power supply
- Provides analogue (0-3 V) output
- Wireless version:
- Provides digital data logged via the GDN
- Over 30 hours of continuous data streaming, or several months in intelligent sleep mode, from a single charge of the integrated rechargeable battery
Suitable for:
Gap measurements in rotating machinery
Oil film thickness monitoring
Shaft vibration and runout analysis
Non-contact position feedback in industrial automation
Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance systems
Industry Examples
Engineering
Reduces unplanned downtime by providing early indicators of lubrication breakdown or mechanical wear.
Monitor shaft runout, vibration, and oil film thickness without physical contact.
R&D, University Research
High precision, miniature package and fast installation makes the product ideally suited to experimental setups and space-constricted test rigs.
Applicable to sensor fusion, custom instrumentation, and prototype development.
Aerospace, Automotive, Wind and Gas Power Generation
Enables predictive maintenance by monitoring for changes in component wear as an early indicator before failure.
Real-time, high-speed data for condition monitoring or digital twin modelling.
Non-Contact Displacement: Case Study
Validating Planetary Gear Bearing Performance with Integrated Wireless Sensing
Client Challenge:
A leading engineering client required data to validate the performance of a critical planetary gear plain bearing. The objective was to simultaneously measure pressure distribution, oil-film gap thickness (displacement), and temperature across the facewidth of a helical gear to measure the plane bearings operational conditions. The extreme environment – high pressure, minute clearances, and a rotating gear – demanded a miniaturised, low-power, and highly accurate sensing solution that would not interfere with the bearing’s performance.
Our Solution:
Transmission Dynamics conducted a comprehensive feasibility study to engineer a fully integrated measurement system. The solution featured:
- High-Resolution Displacement Data: Five miniature Non-Contact Displacement Transducers (NCDTs) were strategically positioned, providing critical gap measurement with accuracies of less than 1 nanometre.
- Integrated Sensing Suite: The NCDTs were complemented by co-located pressure transducers and thermocouples for correlated multi-parameter data.
- Robust Wireless Telemetry: A custom 8-channel high-speed telemetry system was designed to reliably transmit data from the rotating gear assembly.
- Self-Contained Power: A compact battery solution was engineered to meet the extended operational life required for the testing campaign.
Outcome:
The system successfully delivered the critical displacement data and correlated measurements the client needed. The high-fidelity results enabled precise validation of simulation models and provided definitive insight into the bearing’s operational characteristics. This data was instrumental in de-risking the design, optimising performance, confirming the durability of this vital component and helped validate the accuracy of the simulation software.
Key Factor:
The project’s success hinged on the ultra-compact size, low power consumption, and exceptional resolution of the displacement measurement sensor, which provided precise displacement data without disturbing the system’s hydrodynamics.
Why Choose Transmission Dynamics?
Proven Expertise & Award-Winning Innovation
With a reputation built since 1996, we deliver reliable, forward-facing engineering and data solutions trusted by global blue-chip entities and innovative SMEs alike.
Engineered to Solve Real-World Problems
Our products, like the NCDT, are born from necessity to address specific industrial challenges, providing ideal solutions that enhance how you measure and understand machinery data.
Unmatched Versatility & Customisation
We excel at tailoring our technology to your project's exact requirements, offering a wide range of customisation options to ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Part of the Transmission Dynamics Ecosystem
The Non-Contact Displacement Transducer also integrates with many devices currently provided by Transmission Dynamics. They include:
High Speed Telemetry
Our robust, miniature wireless systems reliably capture high-resolution, in-service measurements from rotating machinery. They feature long-range, fast sampling, and ultra-low noise, outputting data directly to a hard drive or as live analogue signals for real-time monitoring in the most demanding environments.
Telemetry Transmitter System
This compact, robust transmitter offers a seamless wireless solution for industrial temperature monitoring. It integrates with our miniature sensors to deliver precise, reliable readings across a wide range, ensuring optimal performance and durability in even the most demanding applications and environments.
Global Data Network (GDN®)
Our web-based GDN® portal provides real-time data visualisation and intelligent analysis from your assets. It automatically generates alerts and detailed reports on detected anomalies, presenting complex sensor data through an intuitive, user-friendly interface for quick insights and informed decision-making.
Ready to deploy the future of precision sensing?
Our knowledgeable engineering team is here to help. With decades of experience, we’ll work with you to implement a perfectly tailored solution. We can provide detailed technical specifications, arrange a demo, or answer any specific questions you may have.
With a response within one business day, we look forward to helping you achieve your sensing and measurement goals.