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ATOM DX™ optical incremental encoder series

The ATOM DX encoder series is Renishaw's smallest incremental optical encoder with digital output direct from the readhead, providing positional feedback, onboard interpolation, and filtering optics all in a miniature package. This encoder is suitable for the most space constrained applications where performance cannot be compromised.

Performance in miniature

ATOM DX builds on the market proven optical system of the ATOM™ encoder platform and integrates Renishaw's high-performance interpolation technology, reducing system size and removing the need for additional adaptors and interfaces.

Constructed with Renishaw's integrated set-up LED, for an intuitive and simple installation process based on the well established auto-calibration routine, ATOM DX is ready to install straight from the box. ATOM DX is compatible with both the ADTpro-100 standalone encoder diagnostic tool and the ADTi-100 diagnostic tool, both of which are compatible with the ADT View software. They provide in-depth advanced diagnostic information to aid optimisation of encoder installation and in-field fault finding to satisfy the most demanding motion control applications.

ATOM DX readheads can be used with a wide range of linear, partial arc and rotary scales to meet most application requirements, and comes in two formats: cabled and top exit variants with either 20 µm or 40 µm scale options.

Watch our introduction to ATOM DX incremental encoders

What form of motion do you need to measure?

Linear

Scale typeScale nameAccuracy

Scale pitch

Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C

Supplied length

Stainless steel tape

RTLF linear scale

RTLF

20 µm: ±5 µm/m

40 µm (high accuracy): ±5 µm/m
40 µm: ±15 µm/m

20 µm/40 µm~10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°CUp to 10 m (> 10 m on request)

Glass spar

RCLC linear scale

RCLC


±3 µm/m 20 µm/40 µm~8 µm/m/°CUp to 130 mm

Narrow stainless steel tape

RKLC linear scale

RKLF-S

20 µm: ±5 µm/m

40 µm (high accuracy): ±5 µm/m

40 µm: ±15 µm/m

20 µm/40 µm

Matched to substrate material when scale ends are fixed with end clamps

Up to 10 m (> 10 m on request)

Partial arc

Scale type

Scale name

Accuracy

Scale pitch

Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C

Scale max length

Narrow stainless steel partial arc tape

RKLC partial arc scale

RKLF-S

±15 µm/m


40 µm

10.1 ±0.2 μm/m/°C

Up to 10 m (> 10 m on request)



Rotary

Scale type

Scale name

Graduation accuracy

Scale pitch

Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C

Disc outer diameter

Glass disc

RCDM disc

RCDM

±0.5 µm (disc ø up to 100 mm)

±0.7 µm (disc ø over 100 mm)


20 µm/40 µm ~8 µm/m/°C17 mm to 108 mm

CENTRUM™ stainless steel disc

CENTRUM™ disc scale

CSF40±0.5 µm40 µm

15.5 ±0.5 µm/m/°C

Fixing options:

Bolts: 38.4 mm to 120 mm

Clamp: 31 mm to 120 mm

For other sizes, contact Renishaw

Our range of technical downloads describe the technical specifications for our ATOM DX encoder systems.

Key benefits

Illustration of miniaturisation

Miniature head

Fits into the smallest applications with heights as low as 7.85 mm. Cabled and top exit variants available.

Illustration of speedometer

High speed

Maximum speeds up to 20 m/s and a range of high-speed interpolation options.

Illustration representing Sub-Divisional Error (SDE)

Velocity control

Renishaw's latest interpolation technology, with updated signal processing algorithms to reduce Sub-Divisional Error (SDE).

Renishaw's encoder range allows for very easy and flexible system integration. We almost always use the Renishaw ATOM encoder and, more recently, the ATOM DX encoder for our more compact micromachining systems.

Lasing Microsystem S.A. (Spain)

Optional Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Renishaw optical encoders can generally be installed using just the set-up LED on the readhead but an Advanced Diagnostic Tool (ADT) can be used to help with more challenging installations. These tools provide detailed real-time encoder data to assist in fault finding and to avoid lengthy machine downtime.

The ATOM DX encoder is compatible with two Advanced Diagnostic Tools: the ADTpro-100 and the ADTi-100.

ADTi-100 and ADTpro-100 Advanced Diagnostic Tools

The ADTpro-100:

  • Is a handheld, standalone encoder diagnostic tool – no computer or other equipment is required.
  • Features an integral colour touch screen.
  • Is easy and intuitive to use with plug-and-play functionality to aid system set-up and calibration.
  • Interfaces with the optional ADT View computer software, which allows encoder data to be saved as a record of the system setup and performance. ADT View can also be used to update the ADTpro-100 firmware

The ADTi-100:

  • Interfaces with the intuitive ADT View computer software.
  • Provides comprehensive real-time encoder data feedback to aid more challenging installations and diagnostics.
  • Assists system set-up, calibration and signal optimisation along the entire axis.
  • Allows encoder data, such as signal strength vs position along the axis, to be saved as a record of the system setup and performance.

Both the ADTpro-100 and ADTi-100 can be used standalone or in-line, connected between the readhead and the controller as part of the control loop.

Discover our range of open optical encoders designed to meet your industrial automation needs.