VIONiC™ incremental encoder system with RELM20 linear scale
Features
- Digital output direct from the readhead
- Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
- Resolutions to 2.5 nm*
- Speed up to 12 m/s
- Ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE): typically < ±15 nm*
- Optical IN‑TRAC™ reference mark
- Dual limits
Benefits
- No separate interface required
- Advanced Diagnostic Tool for easy fault finding, challenging installations and servicing
- Very high accuracy combined with near zero thermal expansion
- High dirt immunity
What is VIONiC?
The VIONiC encoder series integrates Renishaw's market-proven filtering optics and signal processing for superior metrology performance.
VIONiC encoders feature intelligent interpolation technology to give a digital output direct from the readhead. This provides ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) and excellent dirt immunity, without the need for additional adaptors or separate interfaces. It also benefits from a compact footprint, without compromising on performance.
VIONiC readheads are compatible with a wide range of linear, partial arc and rotary scales.
Additionally, VIONiC encoders are designed with intuitive auto calibration mode and are easy to install. An optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 is available for real‑time encoder data feedback during installation or for in-field diagnostics.
What is RELM20 scale?
RELM20 is a spar scale manufactured from ZeroMet™, a low expansion nickel/iron alloy, featuring 20 µm pitch incremental graduations.
It is comparable to fine pitch glass scales and offers a total accuracy (including slope and linearity) better than ±1.5 µm over a 1.5 m length. ZeroMet has a thermal expansion coefficient of 0.75 ±0.35 µm/m/°C at 20 °C.
System designers can choose between specially formulated adhesive tape or mechanical clips to suit mounting requirements. Both mounting methods allow for independent thermal expansion to that of the substrate.
Why choose this encoder system?
Renishaw's highest performing incremental optical encoder
The VIONiC encoder series combines high-speed operation with fine resolution. The VIONiC readhead features an intelligent interpolation chip to give resolution as fine as 2.5 nm, offering high precision and repeatability in any application. The VIONiC encoder is available with a maximum clock rate of 50 MHz and operates at speeds up to 12 m/s. Speeds of up to 3.63 m/s are possible at a resolution of 0.1 μm, ideal for maximising throughput in the most demanding manufacturing processes.
Easy fault finding and servicing
The Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 together with the ADT View software is available to provide comprehensive real-time encoder data feedback for more challenging installations and in-field diagnostics. This is especially helpful in applications when the encoder is hidden within a machine, enabling live diagnostics with minimal machine downtime. The intuitive software interface can be used for:
- Remote calibration
- Signal optimisation over the entire axis length
- Readhead pitch indication
- Limit and reference mark indication
- Digital readout of encoder position (relative to the scale)
- Monitoring the velocity against time graph
- Exporting and saving data
Ease of handling
The RELM20 ZeroMet low thermal expansion scale has a much smaller cross section than typical glass scales and allows easier handling and installation without risk of breakage, making it ideal for the most demanding precision applications.
Optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100
The VIONiC encoder system is compatible with the Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-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
- Readhead pitch indication
- Limit and reference mark indication
- Digital readout of encoder position (relative to the scale)
- Monitoring the velocity against time graph
- Exporting and saving data
Technical specifications
Measuring standard | RELM20: high accuracy ZeroMet spar scale with mid reference mark Also available with end reference mark as RELE20 |
Readhead size (LxWxH) | 35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm |
Scale pitch | 20 μm |
Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C | 0.75 ±0.35 μm/m/°C |
Accuracy grade at 20 °C | Certified to ±1 μm per m, calibration traceable to International Standards |
Reference mark | IN-TRAC reference mark Various reference mark position options, see data sheet for details |
Limit switches | Dual limits |
Scale length | 20 mm to 1.5 m |
Maximum speed | Up to 12 m/s (See data sheet for details) |
Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) | Typically < ±15 nm* |
Dynamic signal control | Real time signal conditioning including Auto Gain Control (AGC), Auto Balance Control (ABC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) for optimised performance across a range of operating conditions |
Incremental signals | 5 μm to 2.5 nm resolution (See data sheet for details) |
Electrical connection | 0.2 m, 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m and 3 m cable lengths with D-type connectors (9 and 15 pin), circular in-line connector (12 pin) or 14-way JST connector |
Power supply | 5 V -5%/+10%, typically < 200 mA fully terminated |
Vibration (operating) | 100 m/s2 max @ 55 Hz to 2 000 Hz |
Shock (non-operating) | 500 m/s2, 11 ms, ½ sine, 3 axes |
Operating temperature (system) | 0 °C to +70 °C |
Sealing | IP40 |
* < ±10 nm SDE can be achieved with optimised set-up. Please contact your local Renishaw representative for more details.
Refer to data sheets for full details.