1. Althen Sensors
  2. Sensors
  3. Linear position sensors
  4. Intrinsically safe position sensors
  5. E103 Short stroke linear position sensor

E103 Short stroke linear position sensor

Intrinsically safe, compact and rugged linear position sensor for precise short-stroke measurements in hazardous environments. Ideal for OEM designs requiring ATEX/IECEx/UKEX certified performance.


Key features

  • Intrinsically safe for gas and dust: Ex II 1GD
  • Compact body with travel from 2 to 50 mm
  • Non-contact inductive technology eliminates wear
  • IP67 sealing for harsh industrial conditions
  • High frequency response >10 kHz
  • Custom calibration per application

Performance highlights E103 Short stroke linear position sensor (intrinsically safe)

The E103 short stroke linear position sensor delivers reliable, contactless measurement in applications requiring compact form and certified intrinsic safety. Its inductive technology ensures durability without mechanical wear. With a frequency response above 10 kHz, it offers precise real-time feedback.

Usage conditions

This sensor is certified for use in ATEX/IECEx/UKEX hazardous areas (gas and dust, Zone 0/20). The rugged stainless steel housing and IP67 sealing support operation in harsh environments from -40 °C to +80 °C. Calibration can be set between 2 and 50 mm to match the required stroke.

Possible applications

  • Valve and actuator position monitoring
  • Pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder position feedback
  • Equipment in oil & gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical zones
  • OEM systems with space constraints
  • Dust-prone environments (e.g., mills, silos, mixers)

Advantages of choosing this sensor

Designed for integration in compact hazardous area setups, the E103 offers consistent output across extreme temperatures and is resistant to shock (40 g) and vibration (10 g). It supports both 3-wire and 5-wire operation, enabling flexible installation up to 1000 m cable length.

Other important features

  • EMC-compliant (EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3)
  • MTBF: 350,000 hours at 40 °C
  • Ratiometric 0.5–4.5 V output
  • Custom mechanical and electrical configurations available
  • Compatible with Althen X005 galvanic isolation amplifier

Do you need this sensor for your next project?

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Technical Specifications

Specification Value
Calibrated travel 2 mm to 50 mm
Body diameter 35 mm
Body length 43 mm
Plunger diameter 6 mm
Independent linearity ≤ ± 0.25% FSO @ 20 °C
Temperature coefficients < ± 0.01%/°C gain & offset
Frequency response > 10 kHz (-3 dB)
Resolution Infinite
Noise < 0.02% FSO
Intrinsic safety Ex II 1GD, Ex ia IIC T4 Ga, Ex ia IIIC T135 °C Da
Operating temp. -40 °C to +80 °C
Storage temp. -40 °C to +125 °C
Sealing IP67
EMC standards EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3
Vibration resistance IEC 68-2-6: 10 g
Shock resistance IEC 68-2-29: 40 g
MTBF 350,000 hrs @ 40 °C
Output 0.5–4.5 V ratiometric
Supply voltage +5 V (4.5–5.5 V)
Load resistance 5 kΩ min
Max cable length 1000 m (with 5-wire mode)

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  • Certified for mining and ATEX zones
  • Compact and rugged stainless steel body
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  • Intrinsically safe for Gas and Dust to: Ex II 1GD
  • Sealing to IP67
  • Compact 19 mm diameter body
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