Festo Introduces Programmable Position Transmitter for Grippers and Compact Actuators
March 18, 2026
C-slot SDAC-MHS integrates multiple output types in a single compact sensor
Monitoring cylinder and gripper position can require multiple sensing components, increasing hardware and wiring in space-constrained machine designs.
Festo introduces the SDAC-MHS C-slot programmable position transmitter. This sensor replaces multiple sensing components with a single compact device that delivers analog, digital, and IO-Link outputs.
This new sensor provides OEMs with a flexible solution for monitoring the position of pneumatic cylinders and grippers in applications such as good/bad product selection, press-fitting, riveting, and ultrasonic welding. By sensing the magnetic piston, cylinder position is transmitted to the PLC with a repetition accuracy of 0.2 mm.
The two SDAC-MHS sizes, 20mm and 30mm, match the most common stroke lengths used in Festo grippers and compact cylinders. The sensor detects the full piston stroke and end positions without extending beyond the cylinder body, making it suitable for space-constrained installations. In addition to analog position feedback, the SDAC-MHS provides two programmable digital switching outputs, allowing a single sensor to replace two traditional cylinder switches.
Analog current output, digital switching outputs, and IO-Link communication are combined in a single SDAC-MHS sensor. In standard wiring mode, the sensor provides continuous analog position feedback along with one programmable digital switching output that can be configured as normally open, normally closed, window comparator, or hysteresis comparator. When connected via IO-Link, the SDAC-MHS offers three additional switching outputs and allows all parameters to be set through a graphical interface.
Key specifications of the SDAC-MHS include:
- Sensing ranges: ~20 mm (analog variant) and ~30 mm (IO-Link variant)
- Repetition accuracy: 0.2 mm
- Linearity error: ±2 mm
- Resolution: ~0.05 mm (analog) / ~0.012 mm (IO-Link)
- Analog output: 0–10 V
- Operating voltage: DC 10–30 V
- Mounting: Inserted in the C-slot on the gripper or cylinder
- Protection classes: IP65, IP68
- Port: 30 cm cable with M8, 4-pin connector
More Information
For more information on the SDAC-MHS C-slot programmable position transmitter, visit https://www.festo.com/ca/en/p/position-transmitter-id_SDAC/.
Festo also offers online engineering tools, pneumatic and electric automation components, and application support through its Customer Solutions teams to help OEMs and system integrators streamline specification, ordering, and commissioning. Festo will exhibit at MODEX 2026 and Automate 2026.
