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ATOM DX™ incremental encoder system with RCLC 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
  • Glass spar scale with lower coefficient of thermal expansion of ~8 µm/m/°C

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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 RCLC scale?

RCLC is a glass spar scale which can be supplied in lengths to 130 mm featuring either 20 µm or 40 µm pitch incremental graduations. RCLC offers a total accuracy of ±3 µm and includes two reference marks: one at the scale mid-point and one at the end-of-travel. Selection is made by the orientation of the readhead relative to the scale.

RCLC is mounted on the substrate with self-adhesive backing tape. The self-adhesive is formulated to allow for independent scale expansion to that of the substrate.

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

Adhesive mounting glass spar

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

~8 µm/m/°C

Accuracy grade at 20 °C

±3 µm

Reference mark

Single reference mark, mid-point or end of scale

Limit switches

N/A

Scale length

10 mm to 130 mm

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.