New and compact, true 17-bit encoder ... has several smart features

Citation

(2000), "New and compact, true 17-bit encoder ... has several smart features", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927dad.009

New and compact, true 17-bit encoder ... has several smart features

New and compact, true 17-bit encoder ... has several smart features

Keyword: Encoder

Better performance at lower cost is provided by the new, true 17 bit Smart Abs® encoders from Encoder Technology. Designed as easy replacements for older, less capable models, Smart Abs is even smaller than its closest competitor which is only a 15-bit encoder (see Plate 9). This highly accurate product is available as both single-turn (17 bit) and multi-turn (33 bit) versions. The range is manufactured by Tamagawa - a world leader in position sensing technology and developed as a joint venture with Matsushita motors.

Plate 9 Better performance at lower cost is provided by the new, true 17 bit Smart Abs R encoders from Encoder Technology

Historically, a 17-bit encoder could be up to 600mm in diameter and cost anything up to »4,000. Smart Abs is available as small as 35mm in diameter and typically costs less than a tenth of the price. It has been developed in line with ever increasing market demand for high speed, high accuracy positioning devices for robotic applications. Maximum speed is 6,000rpm and positioning accuracy of þ 1/2 bit.

This latest introduction from Encoder Technology is especially suited to this type of application as it features a dual mode signal output. Naturally, as speed increases so does the data count. Smart Abs maintains its high accuracy by employing an incremental signal at low speed and a lower resolution absolute signal at higher speeds. This allows consistently precise positional feedback data across a wide range of dynamic conditions.

The encoder's second smart feature is its E2PROM which allows set-up parameters to be easily stored. To ensure the encoder shows a true representation of the position of the shaft the encoder and drive have to be accurately co-ordinated. This is time-consummg and a procedure which has to be repeated each time a new encoder is fitted.

This useful Tamagawa E™PROM feature allows the user to input set-up data, serial number of the encoder and other identification information. In the event of a replacement being needed, the new encoder can therefore be supplied with factory-set parameters for quick installation. Additional customer data can be freely stored with up to 640 bits of memory available (8 bit°6 80 addresses).

For more information contact Bob Worrall at Encoder. Tel: +44 (0)1903 771402.