Slimline Short Stroke Linear Position Sensor | LS18

Compact, short-stroke linear position transducer for space-constrained industrial and scientific applications
The LS18 Slim Line Short Stroke Linear Position Sensor is available in a number of different technical configurations to suit any project requirements.
3D
Typical Lead Time
7-9 weeks (3-4 weeks option available)
Prices From
£621
(excl. VAT)
Quantity, OEM & educational discounts
3D CAD models available

At a Glance

  • Ranges: 0-2mm to 0-50 mm
  • Outputs: 0.5-4.5Vdc, 4-20mA + more
  • Accuracy: <±0.5%/FSO
  • Temperature Range: -20°C to +85°C
  • Sealing: IP67
  • Slim 19mm diameter with short body length
  • Non-wearing inductive technology
  • Full integrated EMC protection
  • Highly corrosion resistant stainless steel construction
  • Highly customisable outputs and mechanical preferences
  • Optional versions rated for temperatures from -40 to +125ºC

Description

The LS18 Slimline Short Stoke Linear Position Sensor has been specifically designed for industrial and scientific applications that require a narrow bodied and short in length, position sensor. What visually sets it apart from LS01 and LS17 is the sturdy two 3.2mm by 30 degree wide mounting flange, available on the radial configuration of the sensor. Exquisitely engineered, the 19mm diameter body of the sensor is constructed from stainless steel and when combined with the non-wearing inductive technology, will deliver dependable performance for many years.

The non-wearing inductive technology used in the LS18 is a major advance in displacement sensor design. This transducer has the simplicity of a potentiometer with the life of an LVDT. The LS18 sensor outputs a stable DC analogue signal by using simple inductive coils in conjunction with advanced ASIC control technology. As there is no contact between moving electrical components, reliability is high and wear is eliminated for an exceptionally long life. It also overcomes the drawbacks of LVDT technology that typically include; bulky coils, poor length-to-stroke ratios, separate signal conditioning requirements and the need for special magnetic materials.

The LS18 provides a linear output proportional to travel. Each unit is supplied with the output calibrated to the travel required by the customer, any stroke from 0-2mm to 0-50mm can be specified during the order process. The default accuracy of the LS18 is 0.25% FSO, however if you would like a greater accuracy of 0.1% FSO, for stroke ranges above 10mm, then this can be specified during the ordering process too.

The sensor is very robust, the body and push rod being made of stainless steel for long service life and environmental resistance. It is particularly suitable for OEMs seeking good sensor performance for arduous applications such as industrial machinery where cost and reliability is important.

Overall performance, repeatability and stability are outstanding over a wide temperature range. The sensor is easy to install with mounting options including M5 rod eye bearings and body clamps. The push rod by default is supplied, free or captive, with female M4x0.7×7 deep thread. Alternatively, M5 rod eye, dome end and magnetic tip options are available too. The LS18 also offers a wide range of mechanical and electrical options and is IP67 rated. The ability for the LS18 to remain unaffected by external Electrical Magnetic interference is assured by the built in EMC protection that conforms to EN 61000-6-2 and EN 61000-6-3 standards.

Common applications for the Applied Measurements LS18 position sensor include geotechnical testing, R&D, aerospace, civil engineering and automotive.

Applied Measurements can supply a wide variety of instrumentation to complement your LS18 position sensor, such as wireless transmitters and receivers, digital displays and amplifiers.

LS18 short stroke, narrow bodied displacement sensor on 360 degree rotating turntable

Technical Specifications

Dimensions
Body Diameter19mm
Body Lengthsee dimensions table
Plunger Diameter6mm
Non-Linearity≤±0.25%/FSO @ 20°C
Temperature Coefficients
Gain<±0.01%/°C
Offset<±0.01%FS/°C
Frequency Response (-3db)
Voltage and 4-20mA (3-wire) Outputs>10kHz
4-20mA (2-wire loop-powered) Output>300Hz
ResolutionInfinite
Noise<0.02%/FSO
Operating-20°C to +85°C (standard)
-40°C to +125°C (optional)
Storage-20°C to +85°C
SealingIP68 to 10bar / IP69K
EMC PerformanceEN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3
VibrationIEC 68-2-6: 10g
ShockIEC 68-2-29: 40g
MTBF350,000 hrs 40°C Gf

Product Dimensions

This is a technical drawing of the LS18 Slim Line Short Stroke Linear Position Sensor. Many physical aspects of the LS18 can be customised to suit project requirements.
This is a technical drawing of the LS18 Slim Line Short Stroke Linear Position Sensor. Many physical aspects of the LS18 can be customised to suit project requirements.
LS18 Dimensions Table
LS18 Dimensions Table

Electrical Output Options

Output Option CodeOutput TypeSupply VoltagesLoad resistance
A0.5 - 4.5Vdc (ratiometric with supply)+5Vdc (4.5 - 5.5V)≥5kΩ
C0.5-9.5Vdc+24Vdc nom. (13 - 28V)≥5kΩ
G0.5-4.5Vdc+24Vdc nom. (9 - 28V)≥5kΩ
H4-20mA (3-wire source)+24Vdc nom. (13 - 28V)≈ 0 - 300Ω max. ~ 1.2 to 6V across 300Ω

Wiring Details

These are the connector pinout options for the LS18 Slim Line Short Stroke Linear Position Sensor. Many physical aspects of the LS18 can be customised to suit project requirements.
These are the connector pinout options for the LS18 Slim Line Short Stroke Linear Position Sensor. Many physical aspects of the LS18 can be customised to suit project requirements.

Mechanical Mounting

Depending on options, body can be mounted by flange, rod eye bearing or clamping the sensor body – body clamps are available, if not already ordered. Plunger mounted by M4x0.7 female thread, rod-eye bearing or magnetic tip

Output Characteristic

Plunger extended, at start of normal travel:
– Standard: 23 mm* from Ø19 mm face
– Flange Mount: 16 mm* from flange face *Note: where ball end option is fitted add 5 mm.

The output increases as the plunger extends from the sensor body, the calibrated stroke is between 2mm and 50mm.

WARNINGS
ANot protected – the sensor is NOT protected against either reverse polarity or over-voltage. The risk of
damage should be minimal where the supply current is limited to less than 50mA.
C & GSupply leads diode protected. Output must not be taken outside 0 to 12V.
HSupply and output lead diode protected. Do take output negative of 0 volts.

V22.03.2021

Ordering Codes & Options

Example codeLS18A-50-LA-00UN-Z-000
Product Family
LS18LS18
Electrical Output
0.5-4.5Vdc (ratiometric with supply)A
0.5-9.5VdcC
0.5-4.5VdcG
4-20mA (3-wire source)H
-
Displacement
From 2mm to 50mm, in 1mm stepsXXX
-
Electrical Connection
Radial Cable Gland (IP67)M
Axial Cable Gland (IP67)N
Radial Connector, 4-pin M8 (IP67)K
Axial Connector, 4-pin M8 (IP67)J
Cable Length
No cable0
1mA
2mB
3mC
5mD
10mE
15mF
20mG
-
Body Fittings
None (standard)0
Flange MountF
M5 Rod-End Bearing (with radial electrical connection only)N
Push Rod
Not Sprung (standard)0
Spring ExtendE
Push Rod Fittings
M4 Female Thread (standard)0
Dome End (available with spring extend option 'E' only)T
M5 Rod-End BearingU
Magnetic TipW
Push Rod
Captive/Retained (standard) N
Non-Captive (can depart body - not available on sprung options)V
-
Output Polarity Calibration
Standard0
ReversedR
Accuracy @ 20ºC
Standard Non-Linearity0
Improved Non-Linearity:
≤±0.1%/FSO (0-10mm ranges and higher only)
Z
-
Special Code
No Special Requirements000
Technical Sales will provide specials codes as requiredXXX

accessories

BP014 35mm black polyamide body clamp with M6 fixtures.

The black polyamide 19mm body clamp fits the LS18 perfectly and is an essential accessory if you need to mechanically grip the body of the displacement sensor and secure both to an external structure e.g. test rig. The BP352 is designed to be secured by 2 x M6 Fixings (not supplied).

Tough, black polyamide body clamps to fit 19mm diameter displacement sensors LS17, LS18 and LS19.
Tough, black polyamide body clamps to fit 19mm diameter displacement sensors LS17, LS18 and LS19.
Last updated: 30th April 2026

Due to our policy on ongoing development, dimensions and specifications may change without notice.

Downloads

CAD Model Files

Our 3D models are provided in STEP format and can be viewed using FreeCAD. Other formats can be provided on request.

The .zip file below contains a separate model for each product variant.

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