Heidehain has developed a new version of its widely-used EnDat absolute encoder interface designed to cater for digital direct drive systems and feedback loops with position encoders that require fast data transfer and high signal transmission reliability. EnDat 2.2, which is also suitable for safety applications, is backed by new software tools that are said to make it easier to implement the EnDat serial data protocol.

The increased clock frequency reduces access times to position values and makes shorter cycle times possible. According to Heidenhain, this means that EnDat is now the fastest purely serial interface for position encoders using RS-485 transmission. Because the analogue scanning signals are digitised and sub-divided at the point of measurement, it is possible to improve significantly the characteristics of servomotors, such as positioning accuracy and speed stability.

An essential component of EnDat communication, in addition to the encoder, is the EnDat Master software, which is available in three levels of complexity.