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TONiC™ incremental encoder system with RKLC20-S linear and partial arc scale

Features

  • Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
  • Resolutions to 1 nm
  • Speed up to 10 m/s
  • Analogue or digital outputs
  • Ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE): typically < ±30 nm
  • Vacuum and Functional Safety variants available
  • Optical IN-TRAC™ reference mark

Benefits

  • Narrow 6 mm wide scale suitable for space limited applications
  • Suitable for partial arc measurement
  • Substrate mastered scale giving improved metrological performance
  • Dynamic signal conditioning for improved motion control
  • Diagnostic kit
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What is TONiC?

The TONiC™ series is a compact, non-contact incremental encoder system that offers speeds up to 10 m/s and, when combined with the Ti interface, resolutions down to 1 nm for both linear and rotary applications. Advanced filtering optics within the readhead give TONiC very low jitter, resulting in excellent positional stability and smoother velocity control. This makes TONiC the ideal encoder for applications where movement must be tightly controlled.

The TONiC encoder gives exceptional signal stability with low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) of typically <±30 nm to help realise superior motion control performance.

TONiC encoders also feature an integrated setup LED for intuitive and efficient installation.

What is RKLC20-S scale?

RKLC20-S is a narrow, low profile stainless steel tape scale featuring 20 µm pitch incremental graduations and IN-TRAC customer selectable reference marks. It is accurate to ±5 µm/m and available in lengths up to 20 metres (> 20 m on request). The RKLC20-S is mastered to the machine substrate giving improved metrological performance when the scale ends are rigidly fixed to the substrate.

The flexible RKLC20-S scale is also suitable for partial arc measurement where the small cross-sectional area allows it to be wrapped around a drum, shaft or arc with a minimum radius of 30 mm.

Why choose this encoder system?

Exceptional metrology

The TONiC encoder features Renishaw's market-proven filtering optics and advanced signal processing. Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) technologies reduce analogue signal noise and digital jitter within the readhead.

TONiC encoders deliver exceptionally low signal output jitter of <±0.5 nm RMS and low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) of <±30 nm, enabling systems to hold position better and generate less heat in linear motor applications. Low jitter also enables smoother velocity control in high-precision applications operating at low speeds.

Flexible configuration

The TONiC series offers a variety of external interfaces that can be configured to meet the speed and resolution requirements of the application. With late-stage integration and configuration of the external interface, one versatile TONiC readhead offers many options for end user customisation.

TONiC interface options enable digital, analogue, or dual output of both digital and analogue signals. The TD (dual resolution) interface offers selectable dual-resolution output, and a DPI interface is also available for wide-format printing applications. The flexibility of TONiC encoder configuration allows OEMs to benefit from superior motion control and high throughput in a wide range of applications.

Narrow, robust and versatile scale

RKLC is a robust, 6 mm wide stainless steel encoder tape scale with a thickness of 0.15 mm. This allows the scale, when rigidly fixed to a machine axis, to become ‘mastered' to the machine substrate, matching its thermal expansion coefficient and behaviour. Differential movement between the scale and the machine is thus minimised.

RKLC partial arc encoder scales

RKLC encoder scales can be conveniently cut to required length and mounted on a simple cylindrical substrate with no requirement for complex mounting features or tightly toleranced alignment surfaces.

Interface options

TD (dual resolution) interface

  • Selectable dual-resolutions quadrature output. Ti interface (square)
  • Ideal for applications that require high speed movement combined with finer precision motion.

DOP (dual output) interface

  • Provides simultaneous digital quadrature and 1 Vpp signals.
  • Designed for applications requiring one or more operations to be synchronised with a motion axis.TONiC Dual Output (DOP) interface

Optional diagnostic kit

TONiC™ diagnostic kit (software and hardware)

TONiC diagnostic software can be used to optimise the installation of TONiC encoders and provide a quick and comprehensive system calibration. The software must be used in conjunction with the TONiC diagnostic hardware which can be purchased from Renishaw using part number A-9411-0011. The hardware is connected to the PC via the USB cable (provided in the kit) or in-line with the customers' electronics.

Find out all about the TONiC diagnostic kit.

Technical specifications

Measuring standard

Narrow stainless steel tape scale with self-adhesive backing tape, for mounting directly to a substrate

Suitable for partial arc applications (minimum radius for partial arc: 30 mm)

Readhead size (LxWxH)

35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm

Scale pitch

20 μm

Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C

Linear: matched to substrate material when scale ends are fitted with end clamps
Partial arc: 10.1 ±0.2 μm/m/°C

Accuracy grade at 20 °C

±5 μm/m

Reference mark

IN-TRAC reference marks directly embedded in the RKLC-S

Selector magnet used to identify chosen reference marks

Limit switches

Dual or single limits (select at time of order)

Scale length

Up to 20 m (> 20 m on request)

Scale form (H x W)0.15 mm x 6 mm including adhesive

Maximum speed

Analogue

Digital

(See data sheet for details)

Up to 10 m/s at -3 dB

Up to 10 m/s

Sub-Divisional Error (SDE)

Typically < ±30 nm

Dynamic signal control

Real time signal conditioning including Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) for optimised performance during operation

Incremental signals

Analogue

Digital


1 Vpp (20 μm period)

Resolutions from 5 μm to 1 nm

Electrical connection

0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 3 m, 5 m and 10 m cable lengths with mini connector (connects direct to TONiC interface)

Power supply

5 V ±10%, < 100 mA (analogue system), < 200 mA (digital systems) (unterminated)

Vibration (operating)

100 m/ s2 max @ 55 Hz to 2 000 Hz

Shock (non-operating)

500 m/s2, 11 ms, ½ sine, 3 axes

Operating temperature (system)

0 °C to +70 °C

Sealing

Readhead: IP40

Interface: IP20

Refer to data sheets for full details.