--- title: "Mountz Torque Guide: Choosing Between Brush and Brushless Rotary Torque Sensors: A Comprehensive Guide" description: The accurate measurement of torque applied to rotating drives and fastening applications is an important criterion for evaluating production efficiency and quality assurance in manufacturing and assembly. There are many process monitoring applications that require rotary style torque sensors to be used to capture and record traceable measurement results. --- - Chat - [Contact Us](https://go.mountztorque.com/contact-us?_gl=1*1t1uhd0*_gcl_au*MjMwOTIyMTI2LjE2ODU1OTU4Mjc.&_ga=2.126080644.843342068.1685595827-2758410.1685595827) - [Sign in](https://www.mountztorque.com/secure/checkout.ssp?is=login&login=T&fragment=login-register) - [![MO18001\_Logo\_H\_Color\_Tag\_RGB](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/MO18001_Logo_H_Color_Tag_RGB.svg "MO18001_Logo_H_Color_Tag_RGB")](https://www.mountztorque.com/?hsLang=en) - North America:[(408) 850-9978](tel:4088509978) - International:[+44 1428 741756](tel:441428741756) - [Shop Products](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type) - [Learning Center](https://www.mountztorque.com/Learning-Center) - [About Us](https://www.mountztorque.com/about-us) - [Service and Calibration](https://mountztorque.com/en-us/usa-service) [![Mountz\_Assets\_ConversionCalculator\_white](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/Mountz_Assets_ConversionCalculator_white.svg) Conversion Calculator](https://www.mountztorque.com/torque-conversion-calculator?hsLang=en) [![Mountz\_Assets\_TorqueToolFinder\_white](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/Mountz_Assets_TorqueToolFinder_white.svg) Torque Tool Finder](https://www.mountztorque.com/torque-conversion-calculator?hsLang=en) # Guide: Choosing Between Brush and Brushless Rotary Torque Sensors The accurate measurement of torque applied to rotating drives and fastening applications is an important criterion for evaluating production efficiency and quality assurance in manufacturing and assembly. There are many process monitoring applications that require rotary style [torque sensors](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors?hsLang=en) to be used to capture and record traceable measurement results. A [rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) is a finely tuned instrument designed for testing and monitoring torque applications. Designed for torque evaluation and verification, the [rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) is a laboratory grade instrument that is commonly used for quality control, R&D and calibration applications. The [torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors?hsLang=en) connects to a [torque tester](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Analyzers?hsLang=en) or torque meter. This special class of [torque sensors](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors?hsLang=en)require the ability to rotate but be able to measure the torque applied to a joint. Historically [rotary torque sensors](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) provided this feature by using brushes, to contact the shaft measuring torque, in a similar manner to the operation of electric motors. The typical [brush type rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-RTSX?hsLang=en) has a few disadvantages. These include: - Some additional torque is required to overcome the friction of the brushes. - There may be problems associated with "brush bounce" in applications of [pulse tools](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Power-Assembly-Tools/Power-Assembly-Pulse-Tools?hsLang=en) with significant vibration - More maintenance is required, especially in high usage applications, because of brush wear. - Additionally, high RPM operation will decrease the force on the brushes due to centrifugal force precluding operation at very high RPM. The recent innovation with the [rotary torque sensors](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) being "brushless" strengthens the weakness of the sensor by alleviating the disadvantages as stated above. The common "brush bounce" that plagues the accuracy testing of [pulse tools](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Power-Assembly-Tools/Power-Assembly-Pulse-Tools?hsLang=en) is cured with the innovative "brushless" [rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en). The [brush-less rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) is a sound investment serving as part of the equipment infrastructure of any calibration lab. Instead of a [rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) that needs yearly maintenance or the need to replace every few years, the [brushless rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) is built to last and be maintenance free. Brushless Rotary Torque Sensor Description With a [brushless rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en), some means must be provided to transmit the torque that is applied to the rotating shaft to the outer body, which is fixed, without any mechanical contact. [There are two major approaches to this technology](https://www.mountztorque.com/How-Torque-and-Angle-Sensors-can-Improve-Your-Fastening-Strategies?hsLang=en). One approach is to use an emerging technology known as Magna-lastic. This technology uses a changing magnetic field to indicate torsional stress. This torsional stress must be measured for variation with the use of a magnetometer. A magnetometer is typically used to measure variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Such sensors may not provide the accuracy of traditional strain gauge transducers and may be more costly to manufacture due to the cost of the magnetometer circuitry. The other approach is to use standard strain gauge technology and provide electronics to implement this technology. Mountz, Inc. pursued this innovative approach. Two functions are required, providing a voltage to the strain gauge, and receiving torque information from the center shaft. Both are accomplished with the use of a single set of coils and this is a significant technological innovation as well as a more cost effective approach. Other rotary style torque sensors require two sets of coils, one set to excite and power the rotating electronics and a second set to retrieve the torque information from the rotating shaft. Mountz, Brushless Rotary Torque Sensor Technology A DC voltage that can be anywhere between 15V and 24V powers the transducer. This voltage is converted to +/- 12 VDC by a DC to DC converter to power the stationary electronics. Due to the voltage conversion and regulation, the source does not need to be accurate, and does not affect the output of the sensor as the excitation voltage does in a brush type sensor. Because this is a switching regulator there is a frequency available from the switching regulator. This frequency is extracted from the circuitry and gets transmitted, across the coil described next, to power the electronics on the rotating shaft. The sensor employs one set of coils. One coil is located on the external, non-rotating body, and the other coil is located on the internal rotating shaft. The same coil is used to provide both the voltages to run (excite) the electronics on the rotating shaft, and to receive the torque information back from the stain gauges. This is the major innovation of the product. It reduces the cost and simplifies the design. This is accomplished by splitting the bandwidth used into transmit band and receive band. A frequency, for the supply voltage, is sent across the coil in one band to be converted to a DC voltage, by a bridge rectifier circuit, to power the rotating electronics. Conversely the differential strain gauge voltage is amplified, converted from voltage to frequency, modulated, and send across the coils in the receive band. The stationary electronics converts the modulated torque signal using a frequency to voltage converter, filters it with a low pass filter, and amplifies it to provide the single ended 0V to +/- 5V signal for torque indication. There is one other component to all this. You can provide a voltage (+5V) to the [torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors?hsLang=en) to force it to output a full-scale CW torque reading. The 5V gets delivered, through an optical coupler, which switches in a circuit that provides a special signal to the rotating electronic to enable this function. This signal is sent across the coils and a low pass filter allows the lower frequency to be detected on the rotating shaft. When this happens, a calibration switch puts a calibration resistor across one leg of the bridge to force a full-scale output. This output, in turn, gets transmitted back across the coil to allow calibration of the sensor. Obviously, the technology, required for a brushless rotary torque sensor, is far more complicated from a technological point of view than for a [brush type rotary sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-RTSX?hsLang=en). A full understanding is not required to take advantage of the benefits offered by this technology. The ["brushless" rotary torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) is the ideal tool, coupled with a torque tester, where applications require low torque readings as well as eliminating the nagging "brush bounce" that occurs in pulse tool readings. The "brushless" design is simply the next evolutionary step with the rotary style sensor design. The Mountz [brushless rotary torque sensors](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) an ideal torque-auditing tool for testing the actual torque being applied on the assembly application. Controlling torque is essential for companies to ensure their product's quality, safety and reliability isn't compromised. The failure of a three-cent fastener that isn't properly tightened can lead to catastrophic or latent failures. Fasteners that are insufficiently torqued can vibrate loose and excessive torque can strip threaded fasteners. Using a quality [torque sensor](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors?hsLang=en) has become increasingly important for many companies to ensure that proper torque is being applied and maintains gauge requirements associated with the ISO 9001 Quality Standard. The Mountz Advantage  At Mountz, we understand the importance of human customer support. That's why our experienced team takes the time to understand your application requirements comprehensively. Drawing on our extensive industry experience, we offer personalized recommendations to streamline your assembly processes and enhance efficiency. Mountz stands out in terms of durability. We know that preventing downtime is paramount to your success, so our tools are built to last. Rigorously tested to meet the highest standards, our products deliver unmatched reliability, ensuring your operations run smoothly without interruption. Trust Mountz for industry-leading torque solutions designed by experts, backed by exceptional customer support, and built to withstand the demands of your assembly processes. Contact us today and experience the Mountz advantage first-hand. Related Products  [![blrtsx36fa-170254\_01.mainview-2](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/blrtsx36fa-170254_01.mainview-2.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=blrtsx36fa-170254_01.mainview-2.jpg)](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-BLRTSX-A?hsLang=en) **BLRTSX-A Brushless Rotary Torque & Angle Sensor** [![rotarysensorsq14\_05.sideview](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/rotarysensorsq14_05.sideview.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=rotarysensorsq14_05.sideview.jpg)](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors/Torque-Sensors-RTSX?hsLang=en) **RTSX Rotary Torque Sensors** [![bmxthumbnail (1)](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/bmxthumbnail%20(1).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=bmxthumbnail%20(1).jpg)](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Sensors?hsLang=en) **Torque Sensors** [![ecrightangle\_01.mainview](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/ecrightangle_01.mainview.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=ecrightangle_01.mainview.jpg)](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Power-Assembly-Tools/Power-Assembly-DC-Control-Tools?hsLang=en) **DC Control Tools** [![pttthumbnail (1)](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/pttthumbnail%20(1).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=pttthumbnail%20(1).jpg)](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors/Torque-Analyzers?hsLang=en) **Torque Analyzers**  Related Articles [![LCG23\_01](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/LCG23_01.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=LCG23_01.jpg)](https://www.mountztorque.com/How-Torque-and-Angle-Sensors-can-Improve-Your-Fastening-Strategies?hsLang=en) **How Torque and Angle Sensors can Improve Your Fastening Strategies** [![blrtsx36fa-170254\_01.mainview (1)](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/blrtsx36fa-170254_01.mainview%20(1).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=blrtsx36fa-170254_01.mainview%20(1).jpg)](https://go.mountztorque.com/en-us/measuring-dynamic-torque?_gl=1*1bd4t8a*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MTQ2NDA4MTUuQ2p3S0NBaUF3Yy1kQmhBN0Vpd0F4UFJ5bEV2aTNReXFtSVBXci16OGhVTFFsTm1MNm5zc184MlBld2hPVUloUEdSNjI2RWljNkVnbERob0NQa1FRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*ODAyNTM1NDUxLjE3MTIwNDg3MTM.&_ga=2.98080991.1371283901.1714382208-1575334302.1672764434&_gac=1.83453540.1714640815.CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEvi3QyqmIPWr-z8hULQlNmL6nss_82PewhOUIhPGR626Eic6EglDhoCPkQQAvD_BwE&hsLang=en) **Mountz Webinar: Evaluate Power Tool Performance and Prevent Fastening Errors by Measuring Dynamic Torque** [![LCV81\_01](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/LCV81_01.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=LCV81_01.jpg)](https://www.mountztorque.com/Measure-Torque-Output-With-Rotary-Torque-Sensor?hsLang=en) **Mountz Video: How to Measure a Tool's Torque Output with a Rotary Torque Sensor** [![bmxthumbnail (1)](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/bmxthumbnail%20(1).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=bmxthumbnail%20(1).jpg)](https://go.mountztorque.com/en-us/tips-for-selecting-a-torque-sensor?_gl=1*1o9lft9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MTQ2NDA4MTUuQ2p3S0NBaUF3Yy1kQmhBN0Vpd0F4UFJ5bEV2aTNReXFtSVBXci16OGhVTFFsTm1MNm5zc184MlBld2hPVUloUEdSNjI2RWljNkVnbERob0NQa1FRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*ODAyNTM1NDUxLjE3MTIwNDg3MTM.&_ga=2.198210799.1371283901.1714382208-1575334302.1672764434&_gac=1.192587480.1714640815.CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEvi3QyqmIPWr-z8hULQlNmL6nss_82PewhOUIhPGR626Eic6EglDhoCPkQQAvD_BwE&hsLang=en) **Mountz Webinar: Tips for Selecting a Torque Sensor** [![pttthumbnail (1)-1](https://5139817.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/5139817/hubfs/pttthumbnail%20(1)-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=pttthumbnail%20(1)-1.jpg)](https://go.mountztorque.com/en-us/how-to-identify-when-a-torque-tool-is-drifting-out-of-calibration-2023?_gl=1*i1b7g9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MTQ2NDA4MTUuQ2p3S0NBaUF3Yy1kQmhBN0Vpd0F4UFJ5bEV2aTNReXFtSVBXci16OGhVTFFsTm1MNm5zc184MlBld2hPVUloUEdSNjI2RWljNkVnbERob0NQa1FRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*ODAyNTM1NDUxLjE3MTIwNDg3MTM.&_ga=2.194731117.1371283901.1714382208-1575334302.1672764434&_gac=1.95129326.1714640815.CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylEvi3QyqmIPWr-z8hULQlNmL6nss_82PewhOUIhPGR626Eic6EglDhoCPkQQAvD_BwE&hsLang=en) **Mountz Webinar: How to Identify When a Torque Tool is Drifting Out of Calibration** ![Stock placeholder image with grayscale geometrical mountain landscape](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mountz%20Landing%20Pages/images/footer-logo-white-text.svg "Stock placeholder image with grayscale geometrical mountain landscape") TORQUE PRODUCTS - [Torque Analyzers and Sensors](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Analyzers-and-Sensors) - [Torque Screwdrivers](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Screwdrivers) - [Torque Wrenches](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Wrenches) - [Power Assembly Tools](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Power-Assembly-Tools) - [Torque Multipliers](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Torque-Multipliers) - [Bits Sockets and Adapters](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Bits-Sockets-and-Adapters) - [Production Aids](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Production-Aids) - [Accessories](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Accessories) - [Error Proofing Aids & Tools](https://www.mountztorque.com/Product-Type/Error-Proofing-Aids-Tools) COMPANY - [About Us](https://www.mountztorque.com/about-us) - [Blog](https://blog.mountztorque.com/) - [Awards](https://www.mountztorque.com/awards) - [Careers](https://www.mountztorque.com/careers) - [Compliances](https://www.mountztorque.com/compliances) - [Core Management](https://mountztorque.com/core-management-team) - [Events](https://www.mountztorque.com/events) - [ISO Certifications](https://www.mountztorque.com/iso-certifications) - [Mountz Intranet](https://mountztorque.com/mountz-sales-intranet) - [Mountz Employee Center](https://mountztorque.com/mountz-employee-center) - [Quality Policy](https://www.mountztorque.com/quality-policy) - [Shop Mountz Apparel](https://stores.inksoft.com/shopmountz/shop/home) - [Torque Webinars](https://www.mountztorque.com/torque-webinars) CONTACT US - [Ask a Question](https://mountztorque.com/contact-us) - [Request an Appointment](https://mountztorque.com/contact-us) - [Request a Catalog](https://mountztorque.com/contact-us) - [Request a Quote](https://mountztorque.com/contact-us) - [Technical Support Request](https://mountztorque.com/contact-us) - [Establish Payment Terms for Your Online Account](https://mountztorque.com/paymentterms) SERVICE, CALIBRATION & REPAIRS - [Torque Conversion Calculator](https://www.mountztorque.com/torque-conversion-calculator) - [Wrench Adapter Calculator](https://www.mountztorque.com/calculations-for-torque-wrench-extension-adapters-and-spanners) - [Service, Calibration and Repairs](https://go.mountztorque.com/usa-service?_gl=1*bwn60t*_gcl_au*MTg5NDQxNTc1LjE3NjY1NTUxNjk.&_ga=2.111592644.1984556770.1766555169-1854918924.1766555169) ![Mountz\_Assets\_Phone\_white](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/Mountz_Assets_Phone_white.svg)North America: [(408) 850-9978](tel:+14088509978) ![Mountz\_Assets\_Phone\_white](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/Mountz_Assets_Phone_white.svg)Technical Support: [(669) 200-4219](tel:+6692004219) ![Mountz\_Assets\_clock\_white](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/Mountz_Assets_clock_white.svg)M-F 6am - 5pm PST   Silicon Valley Headquarters: 1080 N. 11th St San Jose, CA 95112 Alabama Distribution and Service Center: 19051 Underwood Road Foley, AL 36535 Mountz UK: Pier Copse Courtyard Liphook Hants. GU307JN United Kingdom ![Mountz\_Assets\_Phone\_white](https://mountztorque.com/hubfs/Mountz_Assets_Phone_white.svg)International: [+44 1428 741756](tel:+441428741756) [View All Our Locations](https://www.mountztorque.com/locations?hsLang=en) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmountztorque.com%2Fchoosing-between-brush-and-brushless-rotary-torque-sensors-a-comprehensive-guide%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmountztorque.com%2Fchoosing-between-brush-and-brushless-rotary-torque-sensors-a-comprehensive-guide%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmountztorque.com%2Fchoosing-between-brush-and-brushless-rotary-torque-sensors-a-comprehensive-guide%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmountztorque.com%2Fchoosing-between-brush-and-brushless-rotary-torque-sensors-a-comprehensive-guide%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmountztorque.com%2Fchoosing-between-brush-and-brushless-rotary-torque-sensors-a-comprehensive-guide%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) Copyright © 2025 Mountz Torque. All Rights Reserved. - [Terms and Conditions of Sale](https://www.mountztorque.com/terms-and-conditions-of-sale) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.mountztorque.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Service](https://www.mountztorque.com/terms-of-service) - Site Map