Laser encoder interfaces
Flexible laser interfaces for high resolution applications.
RPI20 parallel interface
The RPI20 converts 1 Vpp analogue quadrature signals from an RLE laser interferometer encoder system to provide ultra-high resolution (4096x interpolation) positional feedback in a parallel word format.

Features and benefits
- High resolution - up to 4096x interpolation of analogue quadrature signals
- Multi-axis solutions - availability of seven axis capability from one bus.
- Fast communications - with an input bandwidth of <6.5 MHz and a 36-bit parallel format output
- High accuracy - low SDE contribution (±0.5 nm)
Optional dual axis VME host board to enable to the RPI20 to be used in VME system architectures.
Specifications
Resolution | 38.6 picometres (plane mirror system) 77.2 picometres (retroreflector system) |
Maximum velocity | 1 m/s (plane mirror system) 2 m/s (retroreflector system) |
Output signal | 36-bit parallel word |
PMI | PMI | RRI | RRI | |
Velocity | <50 mm/s | <1 m/s | <100 mm/s | <2 m/s |
SDE* | 0.5 nm | 2 nm | 1 nm | 4 nm |
RLI20-P laser interface - Panasonic
The RLI20-P interfaces a Renishaw laser encoder system with a Panasonic controller (MINAS A5-SERIES). Using the 1 Vpp analogue quadrature signals from the laser encoder the output is passed through a high speed interpolator before being output as incremental position reading in an RS485 format.

Features and benefits
- Panasonic capability - directly compatible with Panasonic controller (MINAS A5-SERIES)
- Fast communications - high speed internal position update rate (100 MHz)
- High accuracy - low SDE contribution (± 0.5 nm)
Specifications
Resolution | 1nm(plane mirror system) 2 nm(retroreflector system) |
Maximum velocity | 1 m/s (plane mirror system) 2 m/s (retroreflector system) |
Output signal | 2.5 Mbps RS485, compatible with Panasonic MINAS A5 series controllers |
PMI | PMI | RRI | RRI | |
Velocity | <50 mm/s | <1 m/s | <100 mm/s | <2 m/s |
SDE* | 0.5 nm | 2 nm | 1 nm | 4 nm |
RSU10 USB interface
The RSU10 USB interface accepts a 1 Vpp sine / cosine signal from an RLE system, interpolates by x16,384 and provides a position reading via a USB port.
Using an RSU10 allows for measurement data to be compatible with Renishaw's established calibration software packages (LaserXL and QuickViewXL). This provides the ideal solution for users who need to view and analyse real-time dynamic measurement data.
A software development kit (SDK) with a maximum update rate of 20 Hz is supplied with each RSU10 which allows the development of function specific software.

Features and benefits
- High resolution - x16,384 interpolation provides signal resolution to 9.64 picometres at velocity of 1 m/s
- Flexible software - compatible with established calibration packages and offers the flexibility of Renishaw's software development kit.
- Automated data capture - TPin trigger input facility allows data capture to commence on receipt of an externally generated signal.
Specifications
Resolution | 9.64 picometres (plane mirror system) 19.28 picometres (retroreflector system) |
Maximum velocity | 1 m/s (plane mirror system) 2 m/s (retroreflector system) |
Maximum update rate | 50 kHz (20 Hz max when using SDK) |
PMI | PMI | RRI | RRI | |
Velocity | <50 mm/s | <1 m/s | <100 mm/s | <2 m/s |
SDE* | 3 nm | 4 nm | 6 nm | 8 nm |