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VIONiC™ incremental encoder system with RELM20 linear scale

Features

  • Digital output direct from the readhead
  • Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
  • Resolutions to 2.5 nm*
  • Speed up to 12 m/s
  • Ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE): typically < ±15 nm*
  • Optical IN‑TRAC™ reference mark
  • Dual limits

Benefits

  • No separate interface required
  • Advanced Diagnostic Tool for easy fault finding, challenging installations and servicing
  • Very high accuracy combined with near zero thermal expansion
  • High dirt immunity
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What is VIONiC?

The VIONiC encoder series integrates Renishaw's market-proven filtering optics and signal processing for superior metrology performance.

VIONiC encoders feature intelligent interpolation technology to give a digital output direct from the readhead. This provides ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) and excellent dirt immunity, without the need for additional adaptors or separate interfaces. It also benefits from a compact footprint, without compromising on performance.

VIONiC readheads are compatible with a wide range of linear, partial arc and rotary scales.

Additionally, VIONiC encoders are designed with intuitive auto calibration mode and are easy to install. An optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 is available for real‑time encoder data feedback during installation or for in-field diagnostics.

What is RELM20 scale?

RELM20 is a spar scale manufactured from ZeroMet™, a low expansion nickel/iron alloy, featuring 20 µm pitch incremental graduations.

It is comparable to fine pitch glass scales and offers a total accuracy (including slope and linearity) better than ±1.5 µm over a 1.5 m length. ZeroMet has a thermal expansion coefficient of 0.75 ±0.35 µm/m/°C at 20 °C.

System designers can choose between specially formulated adhesive tape or mechanical clips to suit mounting requirements. Both mounting methods allow for independent thermal expansion to that of the substrate.

Why choose this encoder system?

Renishaw's highest performing incremental optical encoder

The VIONiC encoder series combines high-speed operation with fine resolution. The VIONiC readhead features an intelligent interpolation chip to give resolution as fine as 2.5 nm, offering high precision and repeatability in any application. The VIONiC encoder is available with a maximum clock rate of 50 MHz and operates at speeds up to 12 m/s. Speeds of up to 3.63 m/s are possible at a resolution of 0.1 μm, ideal for maximising throughput in the most demanding manufacturing processes.

Easy fault finding and servicing

The Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 together with the ADT View software is available to provide comprehensive real-time encoder data feedback for more challenging installations and in-field diagnostics. This is especially helpful in applications when the encoder is hidden within a machine, enabling live diagnostics with minimal machine downtime. The intuitive software interface can be used for:

  • Remote calibration
  • Signal optimisation over the entire axis length
  • Readhead pitch indication
  • Limit and reference mark indication
  • Digital readout of encoder position (relative to the scale)
  • Monitoring the velocity against time graph
  • Exporting and saving data

Ease of handling

The RELM20 ZeroMet low thermal expansion scale has a much smaller cross section than typical glass scales and allows easier handling and installation without risk of breakage, making it ideal for the most demanding precision applications.

Optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100

Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100

The VIONiC encoder system is compatible with the Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 and ADT View software. They provide comprehensive real-time encoder data feedback to aid more challenging installations and diagnostics. The intuitive software interface can be used for:

  • Remote calibration
  • Signal optimisation over the entire axis length
  • Readhead pitch indication
  • Limit and reference mark indication
  • Digital readout of encoder position (relative to the scale)
  • Monitoring the velocity against time graph
  • Exporting and saving data

Technical specifications

Measuring standard

RELM20: high accuracy ZeroMet spar scale with mid reference mark

Also available with end reference mark as RELE20

Readhead size (LxWxH)

35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm

Scale pitch

20 μm

Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C

0.75 ±0.35 μm/m/°C

Accuracy grade at 20 °C

Certified to ±1 μm per m, calibration traceable to International Standards

Reference mark

IN-TRAC reference mark

Various reference mark position options, see data sheet for details

Limit switches

Dual limits

Scale length

20 mm to 1.5 m

Maximum speed

Up to 12 m/s

(See data sheet for details)

Sub-Divisional Error (SDE)

Typically < ±15 nm*

Dynamic signal control

Real time signal conditioning including Auto Gain Control (AGC), Auto Balance Control (ABC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) for optimised performance across a range of operating conditions

Incremental signals

5 μm to 2.5 nm resolution

(See data sheet for details)

Electrical connection

0.2 m, 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m and 3 m cable lengths with D-type connectors (9 and 15 pin), circular in-line connector (12 pin) or 14-way JST connector

Power supply

5 V -5%/+10%, typically < 200 mA fully terminated

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

IP40

* < ±10 nm SDE can be achieved with optimised set-up. Please contact your local Renishaw representative for more details.

Refer to data sheets for full details.