Low Cost Kit-form Absolute Encoder Suits Rotary And Linear Position Feedback

With analogue or digital output, the encoder consists of a separate reading head and code data disk or linear scale with specially developed chrome-on-plastic (COP™) printing technology in a gray code pattern that will provide a 16-bit rotary position output over 360º or up to 2 microns linear position output. An optional rotary version can include up to 11-bit user defined code patterns. Discs are available in standard formats from 26 mm to 42 mm in diameter and linear scales are supplied according to the length of travel required. High temperature versions are available for use up to +85 ºC.

The reading head is powered from a user supplied 5 VDC and includes the collimated illumination module for 11 data tracks and two sin/cos tracks that provides a true differential output with 1024 periods plus amplitude and offset error compensation. The measuring system uses a 16 MHz serial clock and can return information at a 1 microsecond rate for high speed position feedback. An on-chip EEPROM stores calibration and configuration data so once set up, the encoder is a fit and forget solution.

The compact reading head is available in a standard version with all components mounted on a support frame or in a 'Super Flat' design with a separate illumination module for extremely compact installations.

The MEMO3 is aimed at applications such as medical and processing equipment where absolute position feedback is critical and where set-up datum routines associated with incremental encoders are not tolerated.

Mclennan Servo Supplies can supply the NEMO3 separately or as a part of systems solutions including servo or stepper motors, gearboxes, motion controllers and drive electronics, and other mechanical components as customised mechatronics solutions.