Renishaw’s optical encoder systems are based on an innovative non-contact optical arrangement which provides zero mechanical hysteresis and excellent metrology, yet can withstand a variety of contaminants such as dust, light oils and scratches without compromising the signal’s integrity. In addition to these benefits, Renishaw’s encoders have an established reputation for being easy to install and set-up. All optical readhead and interface combinations feature a patented set-up LED which speeds installation and removes the need for complex set-up equipment or oscilloscopes.
Renishaw offers a wide range of optical readheads. To help you select the right readhead for your application, please see the product descriptions below...
RESOLUTE™ is a revolutionary true absolute optical readhead. RESOLUTE's patented technology combines 1 nm resolution with exceptionally high speed (up to 100 m/s).
| Protocols | BiSS-C (Unidirectional) Functional Safety BiSS Fanuc Mitsubishi Panasonic Yaskawa Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ Functional Safety Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ |
|---|---|
| Resolutions | BiSS: 1 nm, 5 nm and 50 nm Functional Safety BiSS: 1 nm and 50 nm Fanuc: 1 nm and 50 nm Mitsubishi: 1 nm and 50 nm Panasonic: 1 nm, 50 nm and 100 nm Yaskawa: 1 nm and 50 nm Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ: 1 nm and 50 nm Functional Safety Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ: 1 nm and 50 nm |
| Set-up LED | On readhead |
| Dimensions | 18.0 mm × 36.0 mm × 16.5 mm (H × L × W) |
| Maximum speed | 100 m/s |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 80°C |
| Ride height tolerance | 0.8 ±0.15 mm (when used with RTLA-S, RSLA and RELA) 0.6 ±0.15 mm (when used with RTLA and FASTRACK™) |
| IP rating | IP64 |
| Cable | UL approved 7-core, up to 10 m, single or double-shielded |
| Vacuum compatible | Yes (BiSS and Panasonic only) |
| Compatible scales | RTLA, RTLA-S, RELA and RSLA |
RESOLUTE™ is a revolutionary true absolute optical readhead. RESOLUTE™ combines high resolutions with exceptionally high speed up to 36,000 rpm.
| Protocols | BiSS-C (Unidirectional) Functional Safety BiSS FANUC Mitsubishi Panasonic Yaskawa Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ Functional Safety Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ |
|---|---|
| Resolutions | BiSS: 18 bit, 26 bit and 32 bit Functional Safety BiSS: 32 bit FANUC: 23 bit and 27 bit Mitsubishi: 23 bit and 27 bit Panasonic: 23 bit Yaskawa 23 bit, 24 bit, 26 bit and 30 bit Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ: 26 bit and 29 bit Functional Safety Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ: 26 bit and 29 bit |
| Set-up LED | On readhead |
| Dimensions | 18.0 mm × 36.0 mm × 16.5 mm (H × L × W) |
| Maximum speed | 100 m/s |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 80°C (standard) or -40°C to 80°C (extended temperature range (ETR) - BiSS only) |
| Ride height tolerance | 0.8 ±0.15 mm |
| IP rating | IP64 |
| Cable | UL approved 7-core, up to 10 m (single and double-shielded) |
| Vacuum compatible | Yes (BiSS and Panasonic only) |
| Compatible scales | RESA and REXA |
The VIONiC readhead is Renishaw's high-performance, all-in-one, digital output, optical encoder. VIONiC combines Renishaw's filtering optics with sophisticated integrated interpolation electronics to provide class leading metrology performance and even greater reliability. VIONiC is suitable for use across a wide range of demanding applications, including those which require highly-dynamic precision motion control, superior accuracy and faster speeds.
Why choose VIONiC™ readheads?
| Resolutions | RS422 digital outputs direct from the readhead: 5 µm, 1 µm, 0.5 µm, 0.2 µm, 0.1 µm, 50 nm, 40 nm, 25 nm, 20 nm, 10 nm, 5 nm and 2.5 nm. |
|---|---|
| Set-up LED | Visual set-up aid on readhead |
| Reference mark | auto-phase optical |
| Limit switches | Dual end of travel limit detection |
| Alarm signal format | 3-state or line driven E output |
| Dimensions | 10.0 mm × 35.0 mm × 13.5 mm (H × L × W) |
| Maximum speed | 12 m/s |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
| Ride height tolerance | 2.1 ±0.15 mm |
| Minimum customer clock | 50 MHz, 40 MHz, 25 MHz, 20 MHz, 12 MHz, 10 MHz, 8 MHz, 6 MHz, 4 MHz, 1 MHz on all resolutions |
| IP rating | IP40 |
| Cable | Single-shielded, UL approved, 12-core, up to 3 m |
| Vacuum compatible | No |
| Compatible scales | 20 µm RESM or REXM rings, 20 µm RGSZ tape scale, 20 µm RELM ZeroMet™ spar scale, 20 µm RSLM stainless steel spar scale, 20 µm RTLC stainless steel tape scale or 20 µm RKLC stainless steel tape scale. RKLC scale can also be used in partial arc applications |
The QUANTiC readhead is Renishaw's latest high-performance, all-in-one, digital output, optical encoder. The QUANTiC encoder series provides robust incremental position measurement with excellent metrology and wide installation tolerances that reduce or eliminate the need for mounting adjustment during the installation process. QUANTiC includes Renishaw’s high-performance integrated interpolation technology, removing the need for additional adaptors or separate interfaces. This provides stable and reliable position signals for a wide range of demanding measurement and motion control applications.
Why choose QUANTiC™ readheads?
| Outputs - Direct from the readhead | RS422 digital resolutions: 10 µm, 5 µm, 1 µm, 0.5 µm, 0.2 µm, 0.1 µm and 50 nm Analogue: 1 Vpp |
|---|---|
| Set-up LED | Visual set-up aid on readhead |
| Reference mark | Auto-phase optical |
| Limit switches | Dual end of travel limit detection |
| Alarm signal format | 3-state or line driven E- output |
| Dimensions | 10.0 mm × 35.0 mm × 13.5 mm (H × L × W) |
| Maximum speed | 24 m/s |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
| Ride height tolerance | Calibration ±0.2 mm Running ±0.3 mm |
| Minimum customer clock | 50 MHz, 40 MHz, 25 MHz, 20 MHz, 12 MHz, 10 MHz, 8 MHz, 6 MHz, 4 MHz, 1 MHz on all resolutions |
| IP rating | IP40 |
| Cable | Single-shielded, UL approved, 12-core, up to 3 m |
| Vacuum compatible | No |
| Compatible scales | 40 µm RTLC40 linear stainless steel tape scale (for use with the FASTRACK carrier). 40 µm RTLC40-S and RKLC40-S linear stainless steel tape scales (adhesive backed for direct mounting to a machine substrate). 40 µm RESM40 stainless steel rings. 40 µm RKLC stainless steel scale for partial arc axis |
The TONiC readhead is compatible with the following:
Why TONiC™ readheads?
| Resolutions | RS422: 5 µm, 1 µm, 0.5 µm, 0.2 µm, 0.1 µm, 50 nm, 20 nm, 10 nm, 5 nm, 2 nm and 1 nm. Analogue: 1 Vpp |
|---|---|
| Set-up LED | On readhead |
| Reference mark | IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical |
| Limit switches | Dual limits |
| Alarm signal format | 3-state or line driven E output |
| Dimensions | 10.0 mm × 35.0 mm × 13.5 mm (H × L × W) |
| Maximum speed | 10 m/s |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
| Ride height tolerance | 2.1 ±0.15 mm |
| Minimum customer clock | 50 MHz, 40 MHz, 25 MHz, 20 MHz, 12 MHz, 10 MHz, 8 MHz, 6 MHz, 4 MHz, 1 MHz on all resolutions |
| IP rating | IP40 |
| Cable | UL approved 12-core, up to 10 m |
| Vacuum compatible | Yes |
| Compatible scales | Linear scales
Rotary scales
Partial arc scale
|
| Functional Safety (FS) versions | Yes |
ATOM™ is an open, non-contact optical system, eliminating friction and wear whilst permitting reliable high speed, high resolution operation. The open optical design and unique filtering optics guarantee excellent signal stability and high performance whilst withstanding levels of contamination found in most factories. The ATOM readhead works with 40 µm and 20 µm pitch RCDM glass discs offering graduation accuracy to ±0.5 µm. Alternatively for linear applications, the ATOM also works with the 40 µm and 20 µm RTLF and RKLF stainless steel tape scale offering total accuracy of ±15 µm/m or ±5 µm/m, as well as the 40 µm and 20 µm RCLC glass scale with a total accuracy of ±3 µm per scale length. 40 µm pitch RKLF can also be used for partial arc axis.
| Readhead output | Industry standard 1 Vpp analogue signals direct output from the readhead |
|---|---|
| Interpolation | External; requires an Ri, ATi, Ti interface or customer electronics |
| Interpolation factors possible from range of available interfaces | Giving RS422 resolution outputs, interpolations available include x4, x20, x40, x100, x200, x400, x1000, x2000, x 4000, x10,000 and x20,000 |
| Set-up LED | On readhead, and digital Ti interfaces |
| Reference mark | Separate reference mark track. De-select unused reference mark stickers available (A-9402-0049) in packs of 20 |
| Alarm signal format | Line driven and 3-state options |
| Dimensions | 8.35 mm × 20.5 mm × 12.7 mm (H × L × W) for cabled version |
| 7.2 mm x 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm (H x L x W) for FPC version | |
| Maximum speed | 10 m/s (20 µm ATOM readhead) & 20 m/s (40 µm ATOM readhead) |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to 60 °C (storage -20 °C to +70 °C) |
| Ride height tolerance | ±0.055 mm (20 µm ATOM readhead) & 0.110 mm (40 µm ATOM readhead) after calibration |
| IP rating | Cabled readhead IP40; FPC readhead IP20 |
| Cable for cabled variant only | 10 core, high flex, EMI screened cable, outside diameter 3.5 mm maximum. Flex life >20 million cycles at 20 mm bend radius. Maximum length 1.5 metres (extension cable up to 25 metres when using Renishaw approved extension cable). UL recognised |
| Vacuum compatible | No |
| Compatible scale | 40 µm and 20 µm pitch RTLF linear tape scale, RKLF linear tape scale, RCLC linear glass scales and RCDM glass discs. 40 µm pitch RKLF is also available for partial arc axis. |
ATOM DX™ is an open, non-contact optical system, eliminating friction and wear whilst permitting reliable high speed, high resolution operation. The open optical design and unique filtering optics guarantee excellent signal stability and high performance whilst withstanding levels of contamination found in most factories. The ATOM DX readhead works with 40 µm and 20 µm pitch RCDM glass discs offering graduation accuracy to ±0.5 µm. Alternatively for linear applications, the ATOM DX also works with the 40 µm and 20 µm RTLF and RKLF stainless steel tape scale offering total accuracy of ±15 µm/m or ±5 µm/m, as well as the 40 µm and 20 µm RCLC glass scale with a total accuracy of ±3 µm per scale length. 40 µm pitch RKLF can also be used for partial arc axis.
| Resolutions | RS422 digital outputs direct from the readhead: 10 µm, 5 µm, 2 µm, 1 µm, 0.5 µm, 0.2 µm, 0.1 µm, 50 nm, 40 nm, 20 nm, 10 nm, 5 nm and 2.5 nm. |
|---|---|
| Set-up LED | Visual set-up aid on readhead |
| Reference mark | Separate reference mark track. De-select unused reference mark stickers available (A-9402-0049) in packs of 20 |
| Alarm signal format | Line driven and 3-state options |
| Dimensions | 11.35 mm (20 µm variant) or 10.85 mm (40 µm variant) × 20.5 mm × 12.7 mm (H × L × W) for cabled version |
| 8.35 mm (20 µm variant) or 7.85 mm (40 µm variant) x 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm (H x L x W) for top exit version | |
| Maximum speed | 10 m/s (20 µm ATOM DX readhead) & 20 m/s (40 µm ATOM DX readhead) |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to 70 °C (storage -20 °C to +70 °C) |
| Operating ride height tolerance | ±0.055 mm (20 µm ATOM DX readhead) & 0.110 mm (40 µm ATOM DX readhead) after calibration |
| IP rating | Cabled readhead IP40; Top exit readhead IP20 |
| Cable - cabled variant readhead | 10 core, high flex, EMI screened cable, outside diameter 3.5 mm maximum. Flex life >20 million cycles at 20 mm bend radius. Maximum length 3 metres (extension cable up to 25 metres when using Renishaw approved extension cable). UL recognised |
| Cable - Top exit variant readhead | Cables supplied separately and plugged into readhead by users. Lenths of 0.5 m to 3 m available with either 15-way D-type or 10-way JST connector options. |
| Vacuum compatible | No |
| Compatible scale | 40 µm and 20 µm pitch RTLF linear tape scale, RKLF linear tape scale, RCLC linear glass scales and RCDM glass discs. 40 µm pitch RKLF is also available for partial arc axis. |
EVOLUTE is a revolutionary true absolute optical readhead. EVOLUTE's large rideheight tolerance (± 0.25 mm) ensures fast and simple installation with instant validation from the integral set-up LED. This eliminates the need for fine adjustment. In addition, EVOLUTE also has excellent dirt immunity for a robust and high-performance system.
| Protocols | BiSS-C (Unidirectional) FANUC Mitsubishi Panasonic Yaskawa Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ |
|---|---|
| Resolutions | BiSS: 500 nm, 100 nm and 50 nm FANUC: 500 nm, 100 nm and 50 nm Mitsubishi: 500 nm, 100 nm and 50 nm Panasonic: 500 nm, 100 nm and 50 nm Yaskawa: 500 nm, 100 nm and 50 nm Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ: 50 nm |
| Set-up LED | On readhead |
| Dimensions | 18.0 mm × 36.0 mm × 16.5 mm (H × L × W) |
| Maximum speed | 100 m/s |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 80°C |
| Ride height tolerance | 0.8 ±0.25 mm (when used with RTLA50-S) 0.6 ±0.25 mm (when used with RTLA50 and FASTRACK™) |
| IP rating | IP64 |
| Cable | 7-core, single-shielded, UL approved, up to 10 m |
| Vacuum compatible | No |
| Compatible scales | RTLA50 and RTLA50-S |