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(Aeronaucal Approach)
1. Denion and System Role
In aeronaucs, the reluctor wheel (also called phonic wheel or target wheel) is an angular reference device, mechanically
coupled to a rotang sha (generally:
engine sha,
generator,
accessory gearbox,
or transmission system).
It is associated with a speed/posion sensor and provides essenal informaon to control systems, in parcular:
FADEC / ECU,
engine monitoring systems,
synchronizaon systems (propellers, starter-generators, compressors, etc.).
Its role is to provide a reliable and connuous measurement of rotaonal speed and angular posion.
2. General Operang Principle
The reluctor wheel operates as a mechanical-to-electrical transducer.
Mechanical moon → magnec variaon → electrical signal → computer
processing
The wheel rotates with the sha.
The teeth pass in front of the sensor.
Each tooth causes a variaon in the magnec eld.
The sensor generates an electrical signal.
The computer converts this signal into usable data:
o system me synchronizaon.
3. Types of Sensors (Aeronaucal Logic)
Hall-Eect / Acve Sensor
Widely used in harsh environments:
Accurate even at very low speed.
More sensive to the electrical environment.
Commonly used in modern FADEC systems.
Major advantage: high mechanical reliability.
Limitaon: weak signal at low speed.
4. Missing Teeth and Angular Reference
The wheel generally includes:
one or more missing teeth acng as an absolute reference.
This reference allows the system to:
know the exact posion of the sha,
synchronize control laws,
ensure me coherence between several systems (e.g. engine / propeller / generator).
Without this reference, only speed would be available, not a reliable posion.
5. Use in Aircra Systems
The reluctor wheel is used for:
c) Monitoring and Protecon
propeller synchronizaon,
detecon of loss of rotaon,
automated start sequences,
limit monitoring (overspeed).
control of driven equipment.
comparison between redundant sensors.
6. Integraon and Reliability (Maintenance View)
In aeronaucs, emphasis is placed on: