VIONiC™ incremental encoder system with RSLM20 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
High accuracy spar scale
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 RSLM20 scale?

RSLM20 is a stainless steel spar scale featuring 20 µm pitch incremental graduations and a variety of IN-TRAC optical reference mark options, including regularly spaced for customer selection or single reference at the centre or the end of the scale.
It is comparable to fine pitch glass scales and offers a total accuracy (including slope and linearity) better than ±4 µm over a 5 m length. It can also be coiled for simple storage and handling yet once uncoiled behaves as a spar scale.
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

Combines rugged reliability with higher accuracy

The VIONiC RSLM20 system offers the convenience, ruggedness and ease of use of a tape scale yet offers a higher accuracy than glass scales making it ideal for long length, high performance axes.

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	RSLM20: high accuracy stainless steel spar scale Also available with end reference mark as RSLE20, and with selectable reference mark as RSLC20
Readhead size (LxWxH)	35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm
Scale pitch	20 μm
Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C	10.1 ±0.2 μm/m/°C
Accuracy grade at 20 °C	±1.5 μm up to 1 m, ±2.25 μm up to 2 m, ±3 μm up to 3 m, ±4 μm up to 5 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 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/s²max @ 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.