MicroE Systems has developed a high-resolution encoder module designed to be integrated into OEM printed circuit boards to provide a compact, low-cost system for performing either rotary or linear measurements. The CE300 ChipEncoder, which measures just 7 x 11mm, is a non-contact optical encoder with on-board interpolation, claimed to offer up to 100 times more resolution than rival devices.

The encoder module (shown above) is based on a 40µm-pitch diffractive scale. It works with either linear or circular glass scales to offer resolutions of up to 327,000 quadrature counts per revolution (rotary) or 1µm (linear). The module is available in the UK from Inmoco.