PICOTURN – 2nd Generation

Rotational Speed Sensors

Accurate Technologies Inc. (ATI) offers the PICOTURN 2G rotational speed sensor for turbochargers. Compared to optical or magnetic sensing systems, the PICOTURN system is proven as a rugged, reliable, simple, accurate and cost effective solution. The system’s functional principle is a 1MHz pulse induction with eddy current discrimination, using a compressor mounted solenoid sensor that detects and counts compressor vanes individually, generating a standard TTL/CMOS output signal. Maximum wheel speed measurement is 400,000 rpm, with a minimum operating speed of 390 rpm.

The open system architecture and the modular system design allow an easy integration into existing measurement systems as a stand-alone solution or optionally with the PT2G-BD or PT2G-BX signal conditioning boxes. The preferred turbo compressor wheel material is aluminum; titanium wheels require individual testing to verify compatibility with the PICOTURN sensor.

Signal Conditioning Box with display

  1. Signal Conditioning Box with display - Ref. PT2G-BD
  2. Signal Conditioning Box with D-Sub-9 (no display) - Ref. PT2G-BX

The PICOTURN system benefits from high sensitivity, allowing a large distance between sensor and the rotating vanes in the range of 1 at 0.6mm vane thickness. Various sensors are available to accommodate numerous user cases differentiated by the length and thread the sensor head.

2nd Generation Cable

  1. Sensor body with M5x0.8 (standard) or M5x0.5 (fine pitch) thread, various lengths
  2. Teflon coated, double shielded signal line
  3. Molded body with ASIC based electronics inside

The PTSM-H series benefits from enhanced sensitivity, enabling use with titanium wheel and other critical applications where higher temperatures are a priority. The second generation PICOTURN sensing system - the PT2G - is summarized in the datasheet.

2nd Generation Box

  1. 3-pole threaded plug connector for the sensor element
  2. Output #2, BNC digital pulses
  3. Output #1, BNC analog
  4. 5-pole threaded plug connector for supply input and for interface output (wired in parallel to the BNC outputs)

System Overview

  1. Sensor
  2. Power supply and Signal conditioning box with RS232 interface
  3. Adapter cable, interconnecting PT2G-SM... PT2G-B... signal conditioning box
  4. Power supply cable
  5. Cable, connecting PT2G-BD as a display box to a PICOTURN-BM box
Temperature Cable and electronics–40°C to +125°C
Sensor tip: Standard–40°C to +250°C*
Sensor tip: H-type–40°C to +270°C*
Dimensions Fine thread M5x0.5 with various lengths 25mm to 60mm
Standard thread M5x0.8 with various lengths 40mm to 70mm
Length of sensor element and its cableFrom body to ASICapprox. 0.75 meter
From ASIC to connector approx. 0.12 meter
Total length sensor
element		approx. 1.00 meter
Extension cableMax length 10 meters
* Excess temperature tolerated for short periods
Dimensions105 x 85 x 30mm
Signal Conditioning
-BX (RS-232 option)
-BD (display option)		36mA @ 24 V +20mA**
59mA @ 24 V +20mA**
Number of Vanes 1 to 31
Digitial Output TTL/CMOS (One impulse per
N vanes, N = 1 to 31)
Analog Output 0.5 to 4.5V
Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Supply voltage 9 to 36 volts DC
** with sensor
H-Type, High Sensitivity Version
-40°C to +280°C Sensor Head Temperature Range; 0.95m Cable Length
SensorPart NumberSensor LengthThread LengthDiameterDrawing
PT2G-H-SM5.322016001560mm54mmM5x0.8
PT2G-H-SM5.522016001746mm40mmM5x0.8
PT2G-H-SM5.622016001875mm69mmM5x0.8
PT2G-H-SM5F.222016001641mm25mmM5x0.5
PT2G-H-SM5F.322016001356mm40mmM5x0.5
PT2G-H-SM5F.522016001476mm60mmM5x0.5
Standard Type
-40°C to +250°C Sensor Head Temperature Range; 0.95m Cable Length
SensorPart NumberSensor LengthThread LengthDiameterDrawing
PT2G-SM5.322016001060mm54mmM5x0.8
PT2G-SM5.522016001946mm40mmM5x0.8
PT2G-SM5.622016000675mm69mmM5x0.8
PT2G-SM5F.222016000441mm25mmM5x0.5
PT2G-SM5F.322016001256mm40mmM5x0.5
PT2G-SM5F.522016000876mm60mmM5x0.5
NamePart NumberDescription
PT2G-BX202400005Power supply and signal conditioning box with RS232 interface
PT2G-BD202400009Power supply and signal conditioning box with display
PT2G-XS-01.52201900071.5m long adapter cable, interconnecting PT2G-SM... sensor and PT2G-B... signal conditioning box
PT2G-XS-032201900043m long adapter cable, interconnecting PT2G-SM... sensor and PT2G-B... signal conditioning box
PT2G-XS-052201900025m long adapter cable, interconnecting PT2G-SM... sensor and PT2G-B... signal conditioning box
PT2G-XS-1022019000310m long adapter cable, interconnecting PT2G-SM... sensor and PT2G-B... signal conditioning box
PT2G-C-2B220100001Power supply cable, 2m length, 4mm banana jack connectors
PT2G-C-2U220100002Power supply cable, 2m length, open ended
PT2G-C-BNCM82201900061 m length cable, connecting PT2G-BD as a display box to a PICOTURN-BM box