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ATOM DX™ incremental encoder system with RTLF linear scale

Features

  • Digital output direct from the readhead
  • Readhead size: 20.5 x 12.7 x 10.85 mm (20.5 x 12.7 x 7.85 mm for top exit variant)
  • Resolutions down to 2.5 nm
  • Speed up to 20 m/s
  • Low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) of < ±75 nm for 20 µm version and < ±120 nm for 40 µm version

Benefits

  • Miniature package
  • No separate interface required
  • Filtering optics design enabling high dirt immunity
  • Advanced Diagnostic Tool for easy fault finding, challenging installations and servicing
  • Assured quality
  • Self-adhesive tape scale convenience and unrivalled ruggedness

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What is ATOM DX?

The ATOM DX encoder series is Renishaw's smallest incremental optical encoder with digital output direct from the readhead. It provides positional feedback, onboard interpolation and filtering optics all in a miniature package.

Detailed diagnostic information can be accessed by using the optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi‑100 and ADT View software for in‑field diagnostics, fault finding and to aid optimisation of encoder set-up in even the most demanding applications.

The ATOM DX encoder also offers resolutions down to 2.5 nm with a wide range of configurations.

ATOM DX is supplied in cabled and top exit variants with either 20 µm or 40 µm scale options.

What is RTLF scale?

RTLF is a low profile stainless steel tape scale featuring a customer selectable reference mark. Two levels of accuracy are available - standard 40 µm pitch scale with an accuracy of ±15 µm/m and high-spec 20 µm pitch and 40 µm pitch scales with an accuracy of ±5 µm/m. All scales can be supplied in lengths up to 10 m.


RTLF-S is mounted onto the substrate with self-adhesive backing tape. The self-adhesive is formulated in such a way that it allows for scale expansion that is independent of the expansion of the substrate.


To complete the installation, the scale is clamped at one point to provide a datum position.

Why choose this encoder system?

Miniature encoder for space critical applications

ATOM DX, available in sizes as small as 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm x 7.85 mm, allows for integration in the tightest of spaces. There are a number of options to choose from, including both cabled and top exit versions.

Easy fault finding and servicing

The Advanced Diagnostic Tool acquires comprehensive real-time data from ATOM DX encoder readheads. The information is displayed via the user-friendly ADT View software interface. Whilst in most cases the integral set-up LED on the encoder is sufficient for setting up the system, the ADT can be used to aid more challenging installations. The ADT can also report on encoder performance and assist system fault finding to avoid lengthy machine downtime.

High performance

With resolutions down to 2.5 nm, low SDE and low jitter, the ATOM DX encoder series is a high performance encoder. Combining digital quadrature output direct from the readhead and Renishaw's proven filtering optics, ATOM DX encoders are a powerful building block for a modern motion control system.

Optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100

Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100

The ATOM DX 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
  • 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

Self-adhesive stainless steel tape

Readhead size (LxWxH)

Cabled variant: 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm x 10.85 mm

Top exit variant: 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm x 7.85 mm

Scale pitch

20 μm and 40 µm

Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20°C

10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C

Accuracy grade at 20°C

20 μm: ±5 μm/m

40 μm: ±15 μm/m

40 μm (high accuracy): ±5 μm/m

Reference mark

Optical de-selectable

Limit switches

N/A

Scale length

Up to 10 m (> 10 m on request)

Maximum speed


Up to 20 m/s

(See data sheet for details)

Sub-Divisional Error (SDE)

20 µm version: typically < ±75 nm

40 µm version: typically < ±120 nm

Dynamic signal control

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

Incremental signals

10 µm to 2.5 nm resolution

(See data sheet for details)

Electrical connection

Cabled variant: 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 way)
0.5 m, 1 m, 3 m cable lengths with 10-way JST connector
Top exit variant: readhead with 10-way JST connector

Power supply

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

Vibration (operating)

100 m/s² max @ 55 Hz to 2000 Hz, 3 axes

Shock (operating)

1 000 m/s², 6 ms, ½ sine, 3 axes

Operating temperature

0 °C to +70 °C

Sealing

IP40

Refer to data sheets for full details.