EVOLUTE™ optical absolute encoder series
The EVOLUTE optical absolute encoder is a fine-resolution position measurement system with generous installation tolerances and enhanced dirt immunity. Position is found immediately on start-up, without needing any motion, offering smooth velocity control and dependable positional stability.
Absolute position measurement made easy
Based on industry-leading technology from the RESOLUTE™ encoder series, the EVOLUTE system is a true-absolute 50 μm scale period optical encoder with generous installation tolerances, enhanced dirt immunity and versatile metrology performance.
High operational integrity is maintained due to innovative image processing algorithms and optics optimised for contamination resistance.
The EVOLUTE encoder measures absolute position with resolutions down to 50 nm at speeds up to 100 m/s. It is available with linear scales and a variety of serial interfaces:
- BiSS® C (unidirectional) with compatible controllers
- FANUC (α and αi)
- Mitsubishi (J4 and J5 series of servo drives, and the MDS-D2/DH2/DM2/DJ drives for machine tool applications)
- Panasonic (A5 and A6 series of drivers)
- Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ®
- Yaskawa (Sigma-5 and Sigma-7 SERVOPACKs)
All variants (marked with the ADT logo) are compatible with the optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTa-100 and ADT View software, which acquire comprehensive real-time encoder data allowing optimisation and in-field fault finding.
Datasheets and technical documents
Further information about the technical specifications of the EVOLUTE encoder series, such as datasheets and installation guides, are available from our technical downloads section.
Linear form of motion
Scale type | Scale name | Accuracy | Scale pitch | Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C | Supplied length |
Stainless steel tape
| RTLA50 | ±10 μm/m | 50 μm | 10.1 ±0.2 μm/m/°C | Up to 10 020 mm |
Stainless steel tape with track option
| RTLA50 with optional FASTRACK™ | ±10 μm/m | 50 μm | 10.1 ±0.2 μm/m/°C | Up to 10 020 mm |
Key benefits
True-absolute
Position is acquired immediately on start-up without requiring any motion. Based on the RESOLUTE encoder technology.
Versatile metrology
Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) of ±150 nm and ultra-low noise (jitter) of less than 10 nm RMS.
Easy installation
The use of a single-track scale with a 50 μm period gives a generous installation tolerance of 500 μm (rideheight).
Optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTa-100
EVOLUTE encoder readheads are compatible with the Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTa-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
- Digital readout of encoder position (relative to the scale)
- Exporting and saving data
- Setting zero
Discover our range of open optical encoders designed to meet your industrial automation needs.