Next generation of digital encoder launched

Designed for the world’s most demanding motion control applications, this development brings together Renishaw’s renowned filtering optics with a new custom interpolation and monitoring ASIC that enhances dynamic signal processing and improves signal stability.

According to Renishaw this achievement has allowed them to create its highest performance incremental encoder system so far, at the same time combining all necessary interpolation and digital signal processing inside the readhead to eliminate the requirement for additional external interfaces.

The VIONiC range has been designed to reduce overall system size to the minimum achievable for a high-performance system, whilst delivering class-leading performance in terms of cyclic error, jitter and accuracy.

VIONiC series encoders are available with the same linear and rotary (angle) scale ranges as the TONiC series, such that existing customers may choose to install VIONiC as a drop-in replacement. Available scale types include metal tape, spar, and rotary rings (including ultra-high accuracy REXM). All VIONiC scales come with customer selectable IN-TRAC reference marks embedded in the incremental channel and dual-limit switches in the case of linear scales.

Unrivalled ease of set-up and calibration is supported by an Advanced Diagnostic Tool (ADT), which includes user software that allows control and monitoring of VIONiC’s set-up and calibration routines.

New software features include: enhanced graphics, automatically generated plots of signal strength against position, Lissajous plots, DRO output, and readhead pitch indication. This set-up tool is suitable for factory production-line installation as it allows remote, advanced calibration features.

The VIONiC family of incremental encoders has CE approval and is manufactured by Renishaw, using strict quality controlled processes that are certified to ISO 9001:2008, and, like all Renishaw encoders, is backed by a truly responsive global sales and support network. The VIONiC encoder series is available to order from August 2016.