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Magnetic encoders deliver 0.08-degree accuracies
Published:  28 January, 2014

Pepperl+Fuchs is claiming a breakthrough in rotary encoder technology with a range of magnetic absolute rotary encoders that deliver accuracies of up to 0.08 degrees with single-turn resolutions of up to 16 bits, and multi-turn resolutions of up to 39 bits. With a sampling time of less than 80µs, they also offer dynamics that “push the boundaries of what has previously been possible,” according to P+F.

Magnetic encoders are robust and compact. They are unaffected by dust, oil, aggressive emulsions, or by extreme temperatures, vibration, impacts or shock.

“On the one hand, magnetic rotary encoders are perfect for increasingly challenging locations,” says P+F encoder product manager, Stefan Horvatic. “On the other hand, ever-larger plants with longer axes and traverse distances, are making increasing demands on accuracy.”

He cites one potential application – printing controllers that need to position different colours precisely on top of each other to an accuracy of 0.001mm. There are similar requirements for materials-handling and robotics systems that need compact designs.

Pepperl+Fuchs says that its magnetic encoders "push the boundaries"

The new encoders have a standard diameter of 58mm, but 36mm versions are also available.