Compact new high-performance low-power incremental encoder

Designed for measuring angles to a high degree of precision, a highly-compact new incremental encoder has been introduced by Heidenhain The ERO 2000 has ten times higher resolution and reproducibility than competitive products due to its superior signal quality, low noise and high interpolation rates, says the company. The angle encoder was originally designed for use with galvanometer motors used, for example, to move mirrors and provide positional feedback in laser applications involving beam steering, microscopy or marking. Other uses are to be found in small measuring arms, for positioning piezoelectric motors, and in micro systems such as goniometers for determining the angle between the faces of a crystal or a blade edge. The unit does not have an integral bearing, resulting in low start-up torque, absence of heat generation from friction, direct coupling of rotor and stator to the host equipment, greater reliability and minimal maintenance. The comparatively large mounting tolerances and the possibility of adjusting both the incremental and the reference-mark signals make assembly easy. A 'wizard' in the software guides the user through the required steps. The hub is fixed to the low-inertia circular scale, making the latter easy to adjust, whether its specification is 360 degrees / 2,500 line count / 18.6 mm diameter, or a 45-degree segment. Customised and application-specific versions are possible, in particular with regard to the design of the hub and scale assembly. The 5VDC scanning head generates a 1Vpp sinusoidal voltage signal and operates at up to 14,000 rpm. The unit offer high thermal stability between the extremes of operating temperature range of -10C and +70C.