Applying Smart Hydraulic Cylinders

What is a Smart Cylinder?

When the rugged power of hydraulics is combined with highly precise position sensing electronics in an actuator, you have a Smart Cylinder. As the name suggests they are “smart” because of the integrated electronic position sensing. These cylinders understand cylinder position allowing information to be supplied to higher level control systems.

CPI Position Sensor in the SeaSLICE

At the cutting edge of affordable and high speed vessel operation is the Lockheed Martin “SeaSLICE” vessel. This innovative twin hull technology is 52 feet wide, 105 feet long and is as stable in rough seas as a 350 foot conventional mono-hull ship.

The precise reliable control of the rudders plays a vital role in achieving SeaSLICE performance. Similarly, to achieve defined preset fin positions; a closed loop feedback system is used. Compared to the early systems that used external position sensors and mechanical linkages these new systems are much less failure prone, easier to adjust and less complex. While looking for a smart cylinder solution, Lockheed Martin chose the one integrated with CPI’s SL Series Linear Position Sensors. As the CPI smart cylinder’s linear displacement transducer resides completely inside the hydraulic cylinder, it eliminates many of the afore mentioned engineering problems. These CPI based smart cylinders are not distinguishable from standard hydraulic cylinders except for the M12-style electrical connector on the side.

To connect these sensors, the cable carrying power and feedback signals is plugged in through the M 12-style connector. The transducer’s in-line signal conditioner has the ability to accept any voltage from 12- to 24- V DC and delivers a highly repeatable 0.5- to 4.5- V analog output. Once it’s vehicle hardened to ASAE EP455, the CPI position sensor stands up to the tremendously rugged operating environment on the SeaSLICE.



Lockheed Martin understood the extensive and varying uses for the SeaSLICE platform that includes boarder protection, ferry operation, cargo transport, oceanographic research, search and rescue, and law enforcement patrol/interdiction. Because of its reliable and robust operation, the CPI SL-Series based smart hydraulic cylinder remains the system of choice for SeaSLICE deployment.

About CPI SL-Series Linear Position Transducers

CPI is a USA based manufacturer of LVDT based non-contacting linear position sensors and precision waterproof switches. Applications with robust performance and heavy duty materials describe the perfect use of CPI’s products. Its off-the-shelf and custom designed products in each category satisfy the most challenging operational environments, and all products are manufactured and designed in the USA.

Call our engineers now to understand how to apply SL-Series position sensors in your hydraulics application. For more details, visit http://www.cpi-nj.com