News on motion control related sensors from Renishaw, Portescap/Danaher, BEI, Heidenhain, and others.

By Control Engineering Staff

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Encoders are in the news, with many companies announcing new technologies for these motion control related sensors. Here’s a round up of recent announcements from Renishaw, Portescap/Danaher, BEI, Heidenhain, and others.

27-bit resolution at 36,000 rpm. Renishaw’s new Resolute optical encoder system is said to be the world’s first true absolute encoder capable of 27‑bit resolution at 36,000 rpm. The fine-pitch system offers excellent dirt immunity, while delivering market-leading resolution of just 1 nanometer at up to 100 m/s, for both linear and angle encoding applications, according to the company. The encoder’s unique single-track scale eliminatesde-phasing from misalignment and allows wider setup tolerances. Resolute acquires absolute position immediately upon switch-on—without battery back-up—simplifying machine design by eliminating the need for reference returns. The system’s attributes are said to be ideal for high-performance lathes, as well as slower-moving axes.   

Flexible resolution programming. Portescap, a Danaher Motion Company, introduces the MR2 magneto resistive (incremental) encoder designed for integration with Portescap motor drive systems.encoder," says Anil Alex, Portescap brush dc product line manager. "The MR2 is highly immune to dust and vibration-related jitter compared with other technologies. In fact the MR2 encoder can reduce jitter by up to 60-70% compared with other incremental encoders, for a more compact, higher performing machine.”

Absolute encoders can now go wireless. BEI Industrial Encoders introduces the SwiftComm wireless interface for SSI absolute encoders.etostrictive devices, or any other SSI sensor. The SwiftComm system includes the transmitter-receiver pair, which communicates using a point-to-point frequency-hopping 2.4 GHz RF protocol. 

Inductive rotary encoders for resolver systems. The inductive rotary encoders of the Heidenhain ExI 1100 series are now available in versions whose mating dimensions are the same as those of common types of resolvers.. Furthermore, the Heidenhain ExI 1100 rotary encoders with EnDat 2.1 interface feature an improved inductive scanning method, which increased the singleturn resolution to 18 bits (262,144 position values per revolution). This results in a higher control quality of the drive.

12-bit resolution over 360-degree rotation.
BI Technologies is in the process of developing an absolute encoder utilizing its proprietary DAPS (digital angular position sensor) technology. Available with multiple output configurations, the encoder will feature 12-bit resolution over 360-degree rotation. "While the encoder package is similar to industry standard HS35 devices, our new absolute encoder features a microprocessor-based design, providing users unparallel design flexibility," said Alain Leon, product marketing manager for BI Technologies. "Furthermore, our DAPS technology can provide extremely accurate position and speed information, and could allow customers to program the device's zero-degree position (with serial I/O option) at the time of installation." Beta samples with limited options are currently available , and lead time for custom samples is 12 weeks. Numerous output options, including multiple index points, custom coding, and software turns counters, are also available.

3 axis position recording and synchronization.
Optimet introduces the Optimet Position Synchronizer (OPS), a special firmware module embedded in Optimet sensor's electronics that records encoder output and synchronizes the accurate position of up to three system axis together with the sensor measurements. The OPSincreases the effective encoder position resolution by a factor of four by recording both A&B encoder signals with a high level of synchronization with the sensor measurement. The encoders' signals are received in a dedicated port of the sensor communication box. The OPS module is used for integration of Optimet 3D sensors in any 3-5 axis CNC machines or other systems, including manual systems. No special PC cards, special hardware, or software is required for the integration. The OPS mode is available with Optimet’sution of up to several nanometers. Optimet (Optical Metrology Ltd.), based in Jerusalem, is a developer of non-contact measurement sensors and solutions with up to sub-micron precision for distance and 2D & 3D measurements. For more information in the U.S., contact: Sales@optimet.com

Other sensor news:

NVE Corporation announced the introduction of the AAT001-10E TMR Angle Sensor , NVE’s first commercial sensor to use tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR).

According to the group SERCOS International, a specification for an encoder profile for the SERCOS III real-time Ethernet protocol is being developed in consultation with users and suppliers and will be available in November 2009.

– Edited by Renee Robbins , senior editor
Control Engineering News Desk
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