Joint Torque Sensor
Answers to the questions our customers ask most often.
Select a question to see the answer.
Is this a rotary torque sensor?
No — it's a static (reaction) torque sensor. It measures transmitted torque through very small deflections, within 0.05 degrees.
Where does the cable exit, and what connector does it use?
The cable exits from the side of the inner mounting face and routes out through the central bore. It's supplied open-ended, without a connector.
Can I order a custom cable length?
The standard length is 1 m. Custom lengths are available for volume orders only.
How do I extend the cable?
Follow the cable map in the manual. We recommend connecting the shield line tied to GND as well, and keeping the total run under 3 m.
Do I need to add a CAN termination resistor?
Yes. We ship without an internal termination resistor. Fit 60–120 ohms between CAN HIGH and LOW. On a multi-sensor bus, use one 120 ohm resistor at each end, or a single 60 ohm resistor.
Any precautions when fastening the bolts?
Fasten all of them, and follow the torque values in the product manual.
Does the thickness of the mating parts matter?
Yes. Thin link parts on either side can flex, which prevents accurate torque transfer. We recommend 10 t or thicker.
Any precautions during assembly?
The parts on either side of the sensor should contact only the bolt face and the tolerance face. Leave at least 0.1 mm of clearance around the cover, and fasten to the specified torque.
Can I remove the cable or cover?
Removing either can affect measurement accuracy. If a unit needs repair because of damage or a broken wire, contact us rather than opening it.
Do I need to send a command to start data output?
No. The sensor starts streaming as soon as power is applied, at the configured rate.
What do resolution, repeatability, and accuracy mean here?
Resolution is the smallest change the sensor can distinguish — anything below it is noise. Repeatability describes how closely readings agree when the same load is applied repeatedly. Accuracy describes the error between the reading and the true value.
Can I reduce noise or improve resolution?
Filtering helps. The torque sensor has no onboard filter, so apply one on your side.
Does it have an IP rating?
No. Avoid humid environments and keep the sensor away from liquids.
Does it still read torque beyond the measurement range?
It keeps outputting data, but the values aren't accurate. Performance is specified within the measurement range; beyond it, non-linearity and error increase.
Which CAN protocol does it use?
Standard CAN 2.0A. See section 2.4, Communication, in the manual for packet structure.
Does the sample program run on anything besides Windows?
The sample program is built around the IXXAT CAN-to-USB converter and runs on Windows only. Sample code for Linux and for C/C++/Python is in progress.
Do you provide sample code for Python, C/C++, Linux, or ROS?
It's planned for release this quarter.
Do you have a guide for CAN-to-EtherCAT, or a converter you recommend?
We can share a connection guide for the HMS ANYBUS (AB7311-B) on request.