TONiC™ UHV incremental encoder system with RGSZ20 linear scale
Features
- Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
- Resolutions to 1 nm
- Speed up to 10 m/s
- Analogue or digital outputs
- Ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE): typically <±30 nm
- Customer-selectable optical IN-TRAC™ reference mark
Benefits
- Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV)
- Cut-to-suit scale lengths up to 50 m
- Super-compact encoder 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 RGSZ20 scale?
RGSZ20 is a tape scale manufactured from a thin flexible steel strip, featuring a 20 µm pitch, which is gold plated to give high reflectivity and corrosion resistance, and features a customer selectable IN-TRAC reference mark. It may be mounted to most engineering materials using UHV compatible adhesive backing tape including metals, ceramics and composites. Secured to the substrate with scale end-clamps, RGSZ20 is mastered to the substrate and will match the substrate's 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?
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.
Long lengths
To simplify customer inventory and maximise production flexibility the scale can be supplied on a cut-to-suit reel.
Available in lengths up to 50 m.
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 1 Vpp signals.
- Designed for applications requiring one or more operations to be synchronised with a motion axis.
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 | RGSZ20: gold plated steel tape with protective lacquer Also available without reference mark as RGSN20 |
Readhead size (LxWxH) | 35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm |
Scale pitch | 20 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 | IN-TRAC reference mark at 50 mm spacing Selector magnet used to identify chosen reference mark |
Limit switches | Dual or single limits (select at time of order) |
Scale length | Up to 50 m (> 50 m contact Renishaw) |
Maximum speed Analogue Digital | (See data sheet for details) Up to 10 m/s at -3 dB Up to 10 m/s |
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 | 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.