TONiC™ UHV incremental encoder system with REXM20 (angle) rotary ring
Features
- Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
- Resolutions to 1 nm
- Speed up to 3 673 rev/min
- Analogue or digital outputs
- Ultra low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE): typically <±30 nm
- Optical IN-TRAC™ reference mark
Benefits
- Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV)
- Thick cross-section ring with installed accuracy of ±1 arc second
- Super-compact encoder readhead with dynamic signal conditioning for improved motion control
- Diagnostic kit to assist challenging installations and aid system optimisation

What is TONiC UHV?
TONiC UHV brings Renishaw's super-compact, non-contact encoder system to Ultra-High Vacuum applications offering customers improved motion control.
TONiC offers speeds up to 10 m/s and, combined with the Ti interface, resolutions down to 1 nm for both linear and rotary applications. TONiC systems are quick and simple to install with wide set-up tolerances and calibration at the push of a button. TONiC's dynamic signal processing gives improved signal stability with ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error of typically <±30 nm to help realise superior motion control performance.
What is REXM20 ring?
REXM20 is a one-piece stainless steel ring with 20 µm pitch incremental graduations marked directly on the periphery, featuring the IN-TRAC™ optical reference mark. Its larger cross-section allows for the reduction in all installation errors apart from eccentricity, which is easily corrected using a DSi (Dual Signal Interface) and two readheads. Featuring total installed accuracy up to ±1 arc second, zero coupling losses, and exceptional repeatability.
REXM20 is available in a range of sizes (Ø52 mm to Ø417 mm) and line counts, all of which have a large internal diameter for flexible integration. The non-contact format eliminates backlash, shaft wind-up (torsion) and other mechanical hysteresis errors that are inherent in traditional enclosed encoders.
Why choose this encoder system?
Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV)
TONiC UHV readheads take standard TONiC outstanding performance and deliver it in a readhead that has been designed and constructed using UHV compatible materials and processes making it suitable for UHV conditions down to 10 -10 Torr.
The range of TONiC UHV encoders and accessories are constructed from vacuum-compatible materials and adhesives to give low outgassing rates and proven clean residual gas analysis (RGA) making them suitable for many applications including wafer handling / testing, scientific instruments, spectroscopy, vacuum inspection equipment and many more.
Ultra-high installed accuracy
For the ultimate angular metrology, REXM20 with two TONiC readheads and a TONiC DSi (Dual signal interface) offers exceptional repeatability, zero coupling losses and better than ±1 arc second total installed accuracy. The REXM20 features a thicker cross-section designed to minimise all installation errors except eccentricity, which is easily corrected using the combined output of two TONiC readheads. Once the DSi has eliminated eccentricity, the only other errors remaining are graduation and SDE - both of which are minimal.
Ultimate reliability and performance in a compact size
For ultimate reliability and consistent performance TONiC readheads incorporate third-generation filtering optics, tuned for even lower noise (jitter) and now further enhanced by dynamic signal processing including Auto Gain Control and Auto Offset Control. This combination – all incorporated inside the readhead - provides signals of unrivalled purity and ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error of just ±30 nm. The result is smoother velocity control for improved scanning performance, increased positional stability which in turn helps minimise the heat build-up in motors inside the vacuum; essential parameters for vacuum applications all in a compact readhead.
Quicker and easier installation
A set-up LED on the readhead gives a visual indication of signal size and an optional diagnostic kit allows remote checking of the system performance when the readhead is concealed within the machine. Calibration of the reference mark and incremental signals is done at the push of a button with no mechanical adjustment or additional diagnostic tools. The IN-TRAC customer-selectable optical reference mark is embedded in the incremental scale for compact dimensions and simplified alignment. This yields a reference mark output that is bi-directionally repeatable to unit of resolution over the full operating temperature and speed range.
Interface options
TD (dual resolution) interface
- Selectable dual-resolutions quadrature output.
- Ideal for applications that require high speed movement combined with finer precision motion.

DOP (dual output) interface
- Provides simultaneous digital quadrature and 1Vpp signals.
- Designed for applications requiring one or more operations to be synchronised with a motion axis.
DSi (Dual Signal interface)
- Renishaw's DSi combines the incremental signals from two TONiC readheads on a REXM20 ring (REXT20 ring for partial rotation applications) to compensate for the effect of bearing wander and eliminates odd error harmonics, including eccentricity to give total l installed accuracy of typically ±2.0 arc second.
Optional diagnostic kit

TONiC diagnostic software can be used to optimise the installation of TONiC encoders and provide a quick and comprehensive system calibration. The software must be used in conjunction with the TONiC diagnostic hardware which can be purchased from Renishaw using part number A-9411-0011. The hardware is connected to the PC via the USB cable (provided in the kit) or in-line with the customers' electronics.
Find out all about the TONiC diagnostic kit.
Technical specifications
Measuring standard | REXM20: one-piece ultra-high accuracy stainless steel ring Also available for partial rotation applications as REXT20 |
Readhead size (LxHxW) | 35 mm x 13.5mm x 10mm |
Scale pitch | 20 μm |
Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C | 15.5 ±0.5 μm/m/°C |
Ring outer diameter | 52 mm to 417 mm |
Line count | 8 192 to 65 536 (depending on ring size) |
Reference mark | REXM20: single IN-TRAC reference mark ring REXT20: two reference mark ring for partial rotation applications |
Total installed accuracy (with 2 readheads) | (≥100 mm diameter) ±1 arc second (75 mm diameter) ±1.5 arc seconds (≤57 mm diameter) ±2 arc seconds |
Maximum speed Analogue Digital | (See data sheet for details) 3 673 rpm at -3 dB (on 52 mm REXM20) 3 673 rpm (5 μm resolution TONiC on 52 mm REXM20) |
Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) | Typically <±30 nm |
Dynamic signal control | Real time signal conditioning including Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) for optimised performance during operation |
Incremental signals Analogue Digital | (See data sheet for details of angular resolutions) 1 Vpp (20 μm period) Resolutions from 5 μm to 1 nm |
Electrical connection | 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 3 m, 5 m and 10 m cable lengths with mini connector (connects direct to TONiC interface) |
Power supply | 5 V ±10%, <100 mA (analogue system), <200 mA (digital systems) (unterminated) |
Readhead power consumption | <100 mA |
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 (system) | 0 °C to +70 °C |
Bake-out temperature (non-operating) | 120 °C (readhead and scale only) |
Sealing | Readhead: IP20 Interface: IP20 |
Cable construction | Tinned copper braided single screen, FEP core insulation |
Refer to data sheets for full details.