Detachable bus interface cuts encoders costs

German encoder-maker IVO has developed a multiturn encoder that can be linked to a variety of bus systems simply by changing a cover with integrated electronics that plugs onto the end of the encoder body.

The company says that this approach will reduce OEM`s stock levels and cut maintenance costs because if the encoder head is damaged, the electronics will not need to be replaced.

IVO demonstrated the Multivo shaft-mounting encoder at the recent Drives & Controls show in Londonon. The encoder provides a 29-bit resolution, with 16 bits for the number of turns, and 13 for the angle information - equivalent to 65,536 turns at a resolution of 8,192 steps per turn.

At present, the plug-on covers are available for Profibus DP, CANopen, DeviceNet, Suconet K, Interbus and SLCbus systems. There is also a version supporting Lightbus fibre optic connections.

According to IVO product manager Jörg Heilmann, the new encoder costs slightly less than previous versions with dedicated bus connections. The flexibility of the design has also allowed IVO to cut lead times to around a week.

The encoder uses IVO`s patented touchless-encoder principle that does away with the usual gearbox, producing a compact device that does not suffer from mechanical wear and tear, even at speeds of up to 10,000 rpm.