OVERVIEW
• Ruggedized Linear Potentiometer
• Measure the linear motion or position of suspension
• Stroke lengths available from 25 to 300 mm (1 to 12 inches)
• Rod End Joints for simple mounting
• Anodized corrosion resistant housing
• Environmental rating of IP64 (Dust tight, Water resistant)
• Compact Size, only 0.90" (22 mm) diameter
MADE IN THE USA
The Sensor Connection LPPS-22 series Shock Absorber Suspension Travel Sensor with Rod End Joints are used to monitor the deflection of the vehicle suspension by mounting next to the shock absorber to provide feedback of shock and tire performance.
Additional automotive motorsports applications for the LPPS-22 travel sensor include measuring linear displacement or position changes in automotive components such as accelerator pedals, throttle position, and transmission linkages.
The resistive potentiometric element is made from carbon. Output is ratiometric; from 0% to 100% of excitation voltage.
The LPPS-22 series sensor is made from industrial duty materials for resistance to dust, water, temperature, shock, and vibration.
Rod End Joint hole is 5 mm in diameter
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Stroke Lengths: | 1" (25mm), 2" (50mm) 3" (75mm), 4" (100mm), 6" (150mm) 8" (200mm), 10" (250mm) |
Mechanical Stroke Length: | Stroke Length + 0.12" (3 mm) |
Non-Linearity: | </= +/- 2.5% of full stroke |
Resolution: | Infinite |
Repeatability: | 0.0004" (0.01 mm) |
Maximum Operating Velocity: | 5 m per second |
Element Type: | Carbon |
Output: | 0 to 100% of excitation voltage |
Element Resistance: | 1.0" range unit = 2.0K ohm (+/- 20%), 2.0" to 12.0" range units = 5.0K ohm (+/- 20%) |
Maximum Excitation Voltage: | 4.0" range unit = 24 VDC, 8.0" and 12.0" range unit = 36 VDC |
Current Draw: | ~10 mA (nominal) |
Output Cable: | 3 conductor with drain, 22 AWG, PVC jacket, 3 foot long |
Operating Temperature Range: | -40 to +195°F (-40 to +95°C) |
Thermal Coefficient of Sensitivity: | <0.03%/°C nominal |
Humidity: | 95% Max. RH (non-condensing) |
Liquid & Dust Protection: | IP64 |
Shock Rating: | 50g (single hit), IEC68-2-29:1968 |
Vibration Rating: | 20g, IEC68-2-6:1982 |
Housing Dimension (O.D): | 0.9 inch (22 mm) |
Weight: | X oz (X g) |
DOCUMENTS & DOWNLOADS
VIDEOS
About - Shock Absorber Suspension Travel Sensor — Potentiometer (LPPS-22)
Resistive Potentiometer Technology for Suspension Measurement
The LPPS-22 series uses a linear resistive potentiometer as its sensing element, built around a conductive plastic track. As the sensor shaft extends and retracts with suspension motion, the wiper position along the resistive element changes proportionally, producing a resistance output that the connected instrument converts into a position reading.
Potentiometer-based sensors output a ratiometric signal — the output voltage is a ratio of the excitation voltage rather than an absolute value — which means the reading remains accurate even if the power supply voltage varies slightly. This ratiometric behavior makes the LPPS-22 directly compatible with most automotive data acquisition systems and ECUs that provide a 5V reference and read a corresponding analog input.
Unlike contactless sensors, the LPPS-22 uses a mechanical wiper, which experiences wear over time as it moves along the resistive element. However, the conductive plastic design provides good durability and repeatability for motorsports and testing applications.
Output, Stroke Range, and Installation
Stroke lengths from 25 mm to 300 mm (1 to 12 inches) cover the full range of suspension travel encountered in circle track, road course, drag racing, off-road, and general motorsports testing applications.
The sensor provides a ratiometric output from 0 to 100% of the input voltage, allowing direct integration with data acquisition systems without additional signal conditioning.
The 22 mm (0.90") diameter housing is compact enough to mount alongside most production shock absorbers without interference with the spring or other chassis components. The anodized aluminum housing provides corrosion resistance while remaining lightweight to minimize added mass at the suspension corner.
Mounting with Rod End Joints
Both ends of the LPPS-22 are fitted with rod end joints (heim joints) that allow angular misalignment between the sensor axis and the direction of travel. This is critical in suspension applications because the shock absorber and sensor mounting points rarely move in perfect parallel — there is always some angular deviation due to the arc of travel at the control arm pivot.
Rod ends allow the sensor to accommodate this motion without binding, which would introduce measurement error and accelerate wear on the sensor shaft and seal. The joints should be installed with equal thread engagement on both ends so the sensor operates near mid-stroke at the suspension’s static ride height, maximizing the usable measurement range through both bump and droop.
Environmental and Performance Characteristics
The LPPS-22 is designed for use in demanding environments typical of motorsports and automotive testing:
- IP61 rating — protected against dust ingress and dripping water
- Non-linearity: ≤ ±2.5% of full-scale output
- Repeatability: 0.01 mm
These characteristics provide consistent, usable data for suspension analysis and tuning.
Wiring
The sensor uses a simple three-wire configuration:
- Brown = +V (excitation)
- Black = signal output
- Blue = ground
Care must be taken to ensure the signal wire is not connected directly to the power supply.