RGH41 incremental encoder system with RGS40 linear scale
Features
- Readhead size: 44 x 27 x 17 mm
- Resolutions to 50 nm
- Speed up to 15 m/s
- Analogue or digital outputs
Benefits
- Easy to install
- Digital RS422 output direct from the readhead
- Dual end of travel limit switches
- Scale lengths available up to 50 m (>50 m special order only)
- ‘Cut-to-length' scale flexibility
What is RGH41?
The RGH41 readhead offers all the benefits of the market proven RG4 linear encoder system - generous installation tolerances and high-speed, non-contact performance with filtering optics to guarantee reliable performance over light oils, dust and scratches.
What is RGS40 scale?
RGS40 is a tape scale manufactured from a thin flexible steel strip, featuring a 40 µm pitch, which is gold plated to give high reflectivity and corrosion resistance. It may be mounted using UHV compatible adhesive backing tape, to most engineering materials, including metals, ceramics and composites. Secured to the substrate with scale end-clamps, RGS40 is mastered to the substrate and will match the substrates thermal expansion. The scale is supplied on a reel and can be cut to suit any axis length up to 50 m.
Why choose this encoder system?
Ease of setup
With generous setup tolerances and an integral setup LED offering real-time signal feedback, the RGH41 readhead can be installed quickly and easily.
Dual limit sensing
The RGH41 readhead comes with single or dual limit sensing as standard. The limits enable dedicated signals for each end-of-axis indication. A repeatable reference or datum mark also comes as standard.
Direct output
The RGH41 outputs RS422 digital resolutions from 10 µm to 50 nm direct from the readhead without the need for an additional interface.
Long lengths
The RGS40 tape scale is available in lengths up to 50 m (contact Renishaw to discuss longer lengths).
Interface option
REE interface
- Can be used with RGH41A and B variants only.
- The REE accepts industry standard 1 Vpp analogue signals which can be interpolated and output as digital RS422 resolution.
- Incorporating automatic gain control (AGC) and unique self-tuning adaptive electronics, the REE, combined with the filtering optics of the readhead, ensures excellent signal integrity, and gives improved cyclic error over the all-in-one digital readheads.
- Please refer to the REE datasheet for further information.
Technical specifications
Measuring standard | Gold plated steel tape with protective lacquer or polyester coating |
Readhead size (LxWxH) | 44 mm x 27 mm x 17 mm |
Scale pitch | 40 μm |
Coefficient of thermal expansion | Matched to substrate material when scale ends are fixed with end clamps |
Accuracy grade | ±15 μm/m (±3 μm/m when 2-point compensation is applied) |
Reference mark | Uni-directionally repeatable to 1 unit of resolution with magnetic actuator |
Limit switches | Single or dual limits depending on readhead option |
Scale length | Up to 50 000 mm |
Maximum speed Analogue Digital | (See data sheet for details) Up to 8 m/s at -3 dB Up to 15 m/s |
Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) | Typically < ±0.3 μm |
Dynamic signal control | DC light servo provides simple Auto Gain Control (AGC) function to optimise signal level |
Incremental signals Analogue Digital |
1 Vpp (40 μm period) Resolutions from 10 μm to 50 nm |
Electrical connection | 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 3 m and 5 m cable lengths with D-type connector (15 pin), circular plug (12 pin), in-line connector (16 pin) or flying lead |
Power supply | 5 V ± 5%, 120 mA (typical), 175 mA (0.4 μm, 0.2 μm, 0.1 μm and 50 nm resolutions) (unterminated) |
Vibration (operating) | 100 m/s2 max @ 55 Hz to 2 000 Hz |
Shock (non-operating) | 1 000 m/s2, 6 ms, ½ sine |
Operating temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C |
Sealing | IP50 |
Refer to data sheets for full details.
Downloads
Data sheets
Installation guides
Case studies
Technical drawings
How it works
Within the readhead, an infra-red LED emits light laterally onto the flat top graduations of the scale, creating a ‘side lit' arrangement as shown in the optical diagram
This produces sinusoidal interference fringes at the detection plane within the readhead. The optical scheme averages the contributions from many scale graduations and effectively filters out signals not matching the scale period. This ensures signal stability even when the scale is contaminated or slightly damaged.
Low short-term errors are assured by the unique optical design, typically giving less than ±0.30 μm Sub-Divisional Error (SDE). For even lower SDE and even higher signal stability, the analogue version of the RGH41 can be connected to the REE interface, which include Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) that operates at all speeds.
The RGH41 readhead features a set-up LED, which lights green when optimum installation has been achieved.
Reference mark and dual limits are available with this readhead. The reference mark provides a repeatable home or zero position, whilst the limits are used as end of travel indicators.
