Torque shaft sensors with integrated speed and high resolution angle of rotation measuring system
The Kistler 4503B is a rotating strain gage torque sensor with built-in speed and angle measurement, rated from 1.77 to 44,254 lbf·in (0.2 to 5,000 N·m). Its integral digital conditioning outputs analog voltage, frequency, and serial data. An optional second, separately calibrated range at 1:5 or 1:10 measures peak and operating torque accurately with one sensor. Speeds reach 50,000 rpm on the high-speed version.
Dual-range option: second range at 1:10 or 1:5 of rated torque, separately calibrated
Accuracy class: 0.05/0.1 in the standard range; 0.1/0.2/0.4 in the extended range
Speed: up to 50,000 rpm with high-speed version H
Speed/angle measurement: up to 8,192 pulses/rev, freely scalable, with direction and Z reference
Outputs: ±5 or ±10 VDC plus 100 ±40 kHz frequency; RS-232C and USB
Contactless: supply and signal transmission between shaft and stator
What it is used for
Some of the use cases for the 4503B include:
Electric motor and generator testing — torque and speed on drive performance test stands
Transmissions and spindles — friction measurement
Automotive and vehicle engineering — development and production testing
Aviation and aerospace — drive and actuator testing
Mechanical and process plant engineering — manual workstations or networked, automated production cells
Main features / advantages
Dual range sensor with two separately calibrated torque measuring ranges
Analog and digital interfaces
Well suited for static and dynamic measurements with a cut-off frequency (–3 dB) 10 kHz
Very high accuracy thanks to linearity error including hysteresis of only 0.05 %
Operational up to 50000 1/min
What does the 4503B measure?
Type 4503B torque shaft sensors combine dual-range torque measurement with an integrated speed and high-resolution angle of rotation measuring system.
The dual-range torque sensor offers freely scalable range switching, which allows highly accurate measurement of both the peak and particularly the operating torque. The integrated high-resolution speed/angle sensor provides up to 8,192 pulses per revolution, freely scalable, along with rotational direction and an absolute zero point (Z-line). Power is supplied and measurement signals are transferred between the rotating shaft and the housing without contact. Together with low manufacturing tolerances and high-quality balancing, this allows speeds up to 50,000 rpm on the H version.
Why engineers pick it
Two calibrated ranges in one sensor. Freely scalable range switching at 1:5 or 1:10 measures both peak torque and lower operating torque accurately, each with its own calibration.
Accuracy class 0.05. From 1 N·m upward, the standard range achieves accuracy class 0.05, with linearity including hysteresis below ±0.05 %FSO.
High speed. Nominal speed reaches 50,000 rpm on the 0.2 … 20 N·m H versions, with G 2.5 balancing.
High-resolution angle. Up to 2 × 8,192 pulses per revolution plus a Z reference pulse, with ±0.03° maximum jitter per edge.
Which 4503B do I need?
Rated torque
Size
Nominal speed, L/W
Nominal speed, H
Accuracy class, standard / extended range
0.2, 0.5 N·m (1.77, 4.43 lbf·in)
1–2
20,000 rpm
50,000 rpm
0.1 / 0.4
1 N·m (8.85 lbf·in)
1–2
20,000 rpm
50,000 rpm
0.05 / 0.2
2 … 20 N·m (17.7 … 177 lbf·in)
1–2
20,000 rpm
50,000 rpm
0.05 / 0.1
50, 100 N·m (442, 885 lbf·in)
3
12,000 rpm
30,000 rpm
0.05 / 0.1
200 … 1,000 N·m (1,770 … 8,850 lbf·in)
4
8,000 rpm
20,000 rpm
0.05 / 0.1
2,000, 5,000 N·m (17,701, 44,254 lbf·in)
5
5,000 rpm
10,000 rpm
0.05 / 0.1
Speed/angle version:
L, low speed: 60 pulses/rev
W, low speed: up to 2 × 8,192 pulses + Z
H, high speed: up to 2 × 8,192 pulses + Z
Other options:
Feather key groove: without (P0) or with (P1)
Output: ±5 VDC (00) or ±10 VDC (B1), both with 100 ±40 kHz frequency output
Calibration: WKS 1, WKS 2, or DAkkS, single or dual range
How is the 4503B installed?
The sensor installs between drive and brake with half couplings, using twist protection to avoid heavy tension forces on the sensor. Alternatively, it mounts on the optional housing base "GU" with full couplings on both sides. The CoMo Torque Type 4700B evaluation instrument, maXYmos, or a PC through RS-232C/USB with SensorTool can read and switch ranges.
When is the 4503B the wrong choice?
Angle resolution at high speed. At 8,192 pulses per revolution, the 500 kHz output frequency limit caps speed at 3,660 rpm. Fewer pulses allow higher speeds.
Wet or dusty environments. The anodized aluminum housing is rated IP40.
Side loads. Load limits apply one at a time; combined longitudinal and transverse loads reduce the permissible values, and parasitic forces can affect the reading by up to 1% of nominal torque.
4503B FAQ
1.77 to 44,254 lbf·in (0.2 to 5,000 N·m) rated torque, in 14 sizes.
It adds a second measuring range at 1:10 or 1:5 of rated torque, separately calibrated, switched through the 7-pin connector or the serial interface.
Up to 50,000 rpm on the 0.2 … 20 N·m high-speed (H) versions. Low-speed versions reach 5,000 to 20,000 rpm depending on size.
±5 or ±10 VDC analog, 100 ±40 kHz frequency, TTL speed/angle tracks, and RS-232C/USB serial data.
Accuracy class 0.05 in the standard range from 1 N·m upward (0.1 at 0.2 and 0.5 N·m), and 0.1 to 0.4 in the extended range.
A USB cable (55115378), SensorTool software (4706A), and a feather key depending on configuration.
The accuracy class is a Kistler quality figure for force and torque sensors, specified as a positive number and set by the largest of these relative influences: linearity including hysteresis, temperature influence on the zero signal (per 10 K), temperature influence on the characteristic value (per 10 K), and repeatability. It is not the same as the classifications in EN ISO 376 or DIN 51309; it is a manufacturer specification for comparing similar sensors.
Two full couplings (double flexible) are recommended for installing the torque sensor.
It gives a reserve above the nominal range, high accuracy in the first 10% of the nominal range, and full output signal resolution in the smaller range. For example, a 100 N·m sensor has a tolerance of ±0.05 N·m in the standard range and ±0.01 N·m in the 1:10 extended range, five times better in absolute terms.
Efficiency of electric motors and ripple testing in automotive and vehicle engineering, efficiency of propellers or turbines relative to thrust in aviation and aerospace, pump efficiency testing, and characteristic maps in electric motor development and production.
No. Exact alignment must always be ensured to minimize negative influences on the measurement result and on the service life of the bearings and the torque sensor.
The maximum jitter per edge of the angle signal is ±0.03°.
No. On the smaller sizes, the design keeps bearing friction on the measuring side out of the measurement result.
Configure and order the 4503B
Configure the 4503B by rated torque, speed/angle version, feather key, output, and calibration, and order directly on this page. For questions, contact us.
