Products › Torque Sensors › Rotary Torque Sensors › Torque Sensor with Built-in Encoder (WTQ2500)
Torque Sensor with Built-in Encoder (WTQ2500)
A micro torque sensor measures very small rotational torque, from 0.1 N·m up to about 10 N·m, on a turning shaft. A strain-gauge bridge on a stainless-steel shaft section reads the twist, and the signal is taken off through brushes. It suits micro-motors, viscometers and small gear or actuator tests where a full-size rotary sensor is too coarse.
- Model: WTQ2500
- Range: 0.1 to 5 N·m
- Speed: up to 15,000 rpm
- Encoder: built-in, 60 pulses/rev
- Accuracy: ±0.1 to ±0.2% FS
- Outputs: kHz, 4-20 mA, voltage, RS485 / RS232 / CAN
Overview
The WTQ2500 is a non-contact dynamic torque sensor with a built-in encoder. It measures torque from 0.1 to 5 N·m on a rotating shaft and, in the same body, tracks shaft angle and speed. One unit therefore reports torque, speed and mechanical power without adding a separate encoder to the line.
It suits small motors, actuators and gear units that spin fast at low torque, where the angle or speed reading needs to line up with the torque signal. Outputs cover frequency, 4-20 mA, voltage and serial buses, so it connects to most controllers and data loggers.
Features
What sets this micro torque sensor apart:
Built-in encoder
Tracks shaft angle and speed alongside torque, so one unit gives torque, speed and power.
Non-contact
The signal crosses the rotor-to-stator gap with no slip rings, so nothing wears at speed.
Low range, high speed
Covers 0.1 to 5 N·m yet runs to 15,000 rpm for small motors and actuators.
Many outputs
Frequency, 4-20 mA, ±5 or ±10 VDC, RS485, RS232 and CAN to match your controller.
Stable reading
Zero and span temperature effect stay within ±0.02% FS over the compensated range.
Rugged shaft
A 17-4PH stainless-steel shaft in an aluminum housing, with 200% overload protection.
Working principle
Torque applied to the shaft strains a metal-foil bridge bonded to it. The bridge output is carried across the rotor-to-stator gap without contact, so there are no slip rings to wear. A built-in encoder counts shaft rotation at 60 pulses per revolution, which gives angle and speed. Torque multiplied by angular speed yields mechanical power, so the sensor reports torque, speed and power from a single shaft.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measuring principle | Non-contact strain-gauge shaft with built-in encoder |
| Measuring range | 0.1 to 5 N·m (0.1 / 0.2 / 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 5 N·m) |
| Accuracy | ±0.1 / ±0.2% FS |
| Zero temperature effect | ±0.02% FS |
| Span temperature effect | ±0.02% FS |
| Compensated temperature | -10 to 60 °C |
| Operating temperature | -20 to 75 °C |
| Maximum speed | Up to 15,000 rpm |
| Encoder | Built-in, 60 pulses per revolution |
| Torque output | 10 ±5 kHz, 4-20 mA, ±5 VDC, ±10 VDC, RS485, RS232, CAN |
| Supply | 12-24 VDC, under 100 mA |
| Electrical connection | 8-pin |
| Overload protection | 200% FS |
| Material | Shaft 17-4PH stainless steel; housing aluminum |
Models and ranges
Standard rated torques, all non-contact with a built-in encoder:
| Rated torque | Maximum speed | Encoder |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 N·m | 15,000 rpm | 60 pulses/rev |
| 0.2 N·m | 15,000 rpm | 60 pulses/rev |
| 0.5 N·m | 15,000 rpm | 60 pulses/rev |
| 1 N·m | 15,000 rpm | 60 pulses/rev |
| 2 N·m | 15,000 rpm | 60 pulses/rev |
| 3 N·m | 15,000 rpm | 60 pulses/rev |
| 5 N·m | 15,000 rpm | 60 pulses/rev |
With encoder or speed only
Pick the model by what you need to read alongside torque:
| Model | Reports | Choose when |
|---|---|---|
| WTQ2500 | Torque + angle + speed (encoder) | You need shaft angle or position together with torque |
| WTQ-1060 | Torque + speed | You need speed but not angle |
| WTQ-1050 | Torque only | Torque is the only value you measure |
For higher torque or larger shafts, see the rotary torque sensor.
Applications
- Mapping small motor and gearbox efficiency from torque, speed and power
- Characterizing servo and actuator output against shaft angle
- Robot joint and gripper torque testing
- Small pump, fan and blower test rigs
- Bench tests that need torque and angle on the same time base
Challenge: A research team testing electromechanical actuators needed torque measured together with shaft angle and speed, on a CAN or RS485 bus.
Solution: A torque sensor with a built-in encoder giving torque, speed and angle from one unit, with RS485 and CAN outputs, rated to 1,000 rpm.
Result: Torque and angle came from the same unit on one time base, so the actuator was characterized without adding a separate encoder.
Related products
FAQ
What is a torque sensor with a built-in encoder?
It is a rotary torque sensor that also has an encoder inside, so it reports shaft angle and speed along with torque. The WTQ2500 gives torque, speed and power from one unit.
What does the built-in encoder measure?
Shaft rotation at 60 pulses per revolution, which the electronics turn into angle and speed. Speed combined with torque gives mechanical power.
What torque range does the WTQ2500 cover?
Rated capacities from 0.1 to 5 N·m (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 N·m), with speeds up to 15,000 rpm.
Is the WTQ2500 contact or non-contact?
Non-contact. The torque signal crosses the rotor-to-stator gap without slip rings, so nothing wears when the shaft spins fast.
How is mechanical power calculated?
Power equals torque times angular speed. Because the WTQ2500 measures both, it can output power directly alongside torque and speed.
Request a quote
Tell us the torque range and shaft speed, and we configure one micro torque sensor for your drive, not a shelf part. Send the details and our engineers reply with a specification and quote.