Smaller, Lighter, Faster, Tougher Motor Encoders

Zettlex, the Cambridge based technology house has announced the release of a new form of its patented inductive sensor technology.

The ‘ME’ (Motor Encoder) series is aimed at high speed, high precision rotary position measurement. The main application area is high speed encoders for motor winding commutation and motion control. A typical specification for a 22mm diameter unit is 17 bit resolution and speeds up to 20,000 rpm. Other sizes and speeds are possible with the larger diameter versions offering even higher resolutions. Absolute and incremental versions are also available.

The encoders are targeted at applications that need fast measurement for speed control as well as precision measurement for lower speed position control. The ever increasing demands for greater resolution, harsher operating environments and weight or space savings mean that the new technology is likely to find favour in a number of sectors.

The technology’s main components are based on simple printed circuit boards and, when conformally coated, require no mechanical housing. The rotors are produced from thin, lightweight material and have a low angular moment of inertia – making them ideal for motors that need to accelerate rapidly. The encoders can be sealed to IP 68 and are rated from -40 to 125 Celsius.

A linear version aimed at machine tool and linear motor applications is due for market release in early 2006.