Posted to News on 3rd Jan 2008, 21:20
Miniature ChipEncoder measures just 7x11mm
Inmoco is introducing the miniature, high-performance CE300 ChipEncoder from MicroE Systems that enables OEMs to dramatically enhance their motion control designs. Measuring just 7x11mm, it is claimed to provide up to 100 times better resolution than competitive devices: 3000 to 327,000 quadrature counts per revolution, or 10 microns to 1 micron, linear. The compact device delivers high-speed, on-board interpolation and digital output to improve system accuracy and stability, while enabling easy integration with OEM PCB designs for low total motion system cost.
Designed for automated manufacturing, the CE300 is compatible with pick-and-place and solder reflow systems, and is cost-effective for OEMs with volumes of 500 or more per year. The encoder offers all the benefits of an integrated circuit, namely chip-sized packaging, cost savings through integration with customer electronics, and compatibility with automated manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, the ChipEncoder is RoHS compliant and, importantly, requires no alignment following final assembly.
Based on a 40um pitch diffractive scale, the system's integral interpolation electronics can deliver up to 1um linear resolution at high speed.
An optical, non-contact system delivering high levels of reliability, the ChipEncoder includes either a linear or rotary glass scale, and a BGA packaged sensor that can be integrated into customers' own PCB designs. In addition, just one model works in both linear and rotary designs and the unit's three-channel differential output offers users the benefit of an index.
MicroE Systems Mercury encoder family
For applications requiring higher performance than the ChipEncoder can deliver, Inmoco offers MicroE Systems' miniature Mercury family of encoders. These deliver up to 268 million counts per revolution and can be provided as an EMI-shielded encoder with a cable and connector. There are 29 models in programmable, digital, analogue, multi-axis and vacuum styles. Mercury encoders give designers the flexibility to use metal tape, glass linear and glass rotary scales. Mercury encoders are claimed to be the smallest, fastest and smartest 20 micron encoders on the market.
