1. Althen Sensors
  2. Sensors
  3. Linear position sensors
  4. Intrinsically safe position sensors
  5. M103 Short stroke linear position sensor

M103 Short stroke linear position sensor

Compact and intrinsically safe linear sensor designed for precise short-range measurements in hazardous mining environments. Ideal for OEM applications where space is limited.


Key features

  • ATEX / IECEx / UKEX certified for mining and explosive gas or dust atmospheres
  • Compact design with customizable travel from 2 to 50 mm
  • High linearity of ≤ ±0.25% FSO and infinite resolution
  • Non-contact inductive technology for long-term reliability
  • Sealing to IP67 with rugged stainless steel construction
  • Multiple mounting and plunger options for easy integration

Performance highlights

The M103 short stroke linear position sensor offers high precision and reliability in harsh industrial and mining environments. It delivers linear analog output proportional to displacement, with excellent stability and repeatability across a wide temperature range. The sensor’s resolution is infinite, and linearity is better than ±0.25% of full-scale output at 20 °C. Designed using non-contact inductive technology, it avoids mechanical wear and ensures long-lasting performance.

Usage conditions

The sensor is ATEX / IECEx / UKEX approved and operates safely in zones with explosive gases, vapors, or dust. It is suitable for ambient temperatures from -40 °C to +80 °C and sealed to IP67. EMC protection is integrated, and the M103 must be used with a certified galvanic isolation amplifier, such as the Althen X005.

Possible applications

  • Mining equipment and underground automation
  • Hazardous industrial environments
  • Short-stroke measurement in OEM systems
  • Mechanical or robotic systems requiring precise compact feedback

Advantages of choosing this product

This sensor is a space-saving solution for short travel distance measurements. It is customizable to match specific stroke lengths (2–50 mm), and offers multiple mechanical configurations. Five-wire mode enables full performance over long cable lengths up to 1000 meters, and setup is simple thanks to standardized M12 connectors and cable gland options.

Other important features

  • Available with captive, non-captive, spring-loaded or magnetic-tip plungers
  • Body mounting via flange, clamps, or rod-eye bearings
  • Output: 0.5–4.5 V ratiometric with 5 V supply
  • Frequency response >10 kHz
  • Independent linearity: ≤ ±0.25% FSO (or ≤ ±0.1% with Z650 option)
  • Load resistance: 5 kΩ minimum

Do you need this sensor for your next project?

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Technical Specifications

Specification Value
Calibrated travel 2 mm to 50 mm (custom set)
Independent linearity ≤ ±0.25% FSO @ 20 °C (or ≤ ±0.1% with Z650 option)
Resolution Infinite
Output 0.5 – 4.5 V ratiometric
Supply voltage +5 V (4.5 – 5.5 V)
Supply current 10 mA nominal, 12 mA max
Load resistance 5 kΩ min
Temperature range (operating) -40 °C to +80 °C
Temperature range (storage) -40 °C to +125 °C
Sealing IP67
Frequency response > 10 kHz (-3 dB)
Noise < 0.02% FSO
Sensor body material Stainless steel
Plunger options Captive, non-captive, spring-loaded, dome end, magnetic tip, rod-eye
Mounting options Flange, M5 rod-eye, body clamps
Connector types M12 (axial/radial), cable glands (axial/radial)
Intrinsic safety Ex I/II M1/GD; Ex ia IIC T4 Ga; Ex ia IIIC T135°C Da; Ex ia I Ma
Max cable length 1000 m
EMC performance EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3
Shock resistance IEC 68-2-29: 40 g
Vibration resistance IEC 68-2-6: 10 g
MTBF 350,000 hrs at 40 °C Gf

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