Cam Position Sensor - How does it work?

Injuhneer

Injuhneer

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Nov 9, 2011
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Southeastern Arizona (near Tombstone)
www.ootfab.com
I know the cam position sensor is a proximity sensor. It is not an unpowered passive sensor like the crank sensor. Is it a latched sensor? Powered passive?

I don't have a spare to put on a scope to review the signal. Has someone looked at the output of this sensor?

I am going to start investigating an alternate. $300-$600 for what should be a $30 sensor is silly.
 
T

turbodave

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2008
325
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KY
The rover V8 cam phase sensor is a hall-effect.
It is actually the relativly common 1GT series - specifically the 1gt101dc

http://sensing.honeywell.com/index.php/ci_id/50300/la_id/1/document/1/re_id/0

http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1680391.pdf

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/1GT101DC/480-2021-ND/701375

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/hall-effect-crankshaft-position-sensor-p-479.html


I've used the 1GT a few times in other applications - it's a most excellent, almost indestructable, high-speed sensor. Just use a 1K pull-up resistor, and away you go. Really useful for ABS / wheel speed sensors.
 
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Injuhneer

Injuhneer

Well-known member
Nov 9, 2011
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Southeastern Arizona (near Tombstone)
www.ootfab.com
Sweet. Glad I didn't have to do too much work. :applause:

If it is square wave then it must be latched otherwise it would output a sine. Of course by the data sheet that depends partially on use; magnetic or inductive.

So is this unit a bolt in dimensionally? No spacers or mods?
 
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mbrummal

mbrummal

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Jan 23, 2009
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Injuhneer said:
Sweet. Glad I didn't have to do too much work. :applause:

If it is square wave then it must be latched otherwise it would output a sine.

So is this unit a bolt in dimensionally? No spacers or mods?
Click to expand...
Not really a sine wave. It should basically be an on/off signal based on the presence/absence of an "object" (the cam gear).
 
p m

p m

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p m

p m

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 19, 2004
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www.3rj.org
That's f'n awesome! I wish somebody came up with a replacement for the ABS sensors.
My only question is whether a 1k pull-up resistor needs to be wired between + and output, besides the correct connector.
 
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turbodave

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Nov 26, 2008
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KY
I'll admit; I didn't have a 1GT on-hand when I last had my disco cam phase sensor in my hand. If anyone has one, go ahead and compare to the dims in the above links.

Also, bear in mind the Rover one comes with a plug tail. The ones above come with the bare wires.
 
mbrummal

mbrummal

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Jan 23, 2009
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Willow Spring, NC
p m said:
That's f'n awesome! I wish somebody came up with a replacement for the ABS sensors.
My only question is whether a 1k pull-up resistor needs to be wired between + and output, besides the correct connector.
Click to expand...
Wouldn't the ECU already have the correct pull-up resistor?
 
Injuhneer

Injuhneer

Well-known member
Nov 9, 2011
399
0
Southeastern Arizona (near Tombstone)
www.ootfab.com
turbodave said:
I'll admit; I didn't have a 1GT on-hand when I last had my disco cam phase sensor in my hand. If anyone has one, go ahead and compare to the dims in the above links.

Also, bear in mind the Rover one comes with a plug tail. The ones above come with the bare wires.
Click to expand...

So we need a fitment check. I'll be glad to. If it is too short that is a problem. Too long would be ok becuase a spacer is easy to make. I did this on my SVX to use WRX sensors and on my 740iL to use the much less expensive later model sensor.
 
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