Portescap has announced a magneto-resistive incremental encoder for its motor-drives which, it says, will make it easier for machine-builders to upgrade their designs without needing rigorous test-cycle qualifications for OEM machine parts.

The MR2 encoder is factory-programmed with a resolution from 4–512 lines, in discrete steps. This allows a first-generation product to be designed with a 128-line count, and later generations to be upgraded to 512 lines without changing the motor encoder assembly.

The compact encoder is claimed to reduce dust- and vibration-related jitter by up to 70% compared to other incremental encoders. This results in a cleaner signal for faster signal processing and improved positioning and speed control.

The encoder is compatible with Portescap brushed and brushless (slotted and slotless) DC motors of various sizes and ratios.