Inmoco has launched its smallest high performance digital output encoder for vacuum applications. Just 8.4mm high, the new Mercury 1500V from MicroE Systems is rated to10-8 Torr. Its sensor is vented, constructed with vacuum compatible materials, and rated for 48- hour bake out at 150degC.
The Mercury 1500V digital encoder is a strategic component, enabling OEMs and users to design motion control platforms with the smallest footprint and highest performance. The unit combines the benefits of small size, and affordable price with high levels of performance, robustness and reliability. As a result, it is ideal for use in semiconductor processing equipment, electron microscopy, and other demanding vacuum-rated applications. In these applications, EMI shielding against electrical noise enhances overall system reliability, repeatability and accuracy.
The Mercury 1500V produces A-Quad-B and index window digital outputs directly from the sensor, which measures just 8.4mm tall and houses all the encoder electronics. Importantly, in common with all Mercury encoders, the sensor offers the advantage of working with both linear and rotary glass scales, making it easy for OEMs to reduce manufacturing and field support inventory costs. Available resolutions range from 5 microns to 0.50 microns linear, or 6,600 CPR to 655,000 CPR rotary, with a choice of factory-set interpolation levels: of x4, x8, x20, or x40, which are specified when ordering.
In addition to small size and high performance, the Mercury 1500V digital encoder is also one of the easiest to use and install. With wide alignment tolerance of +/-2 degrees (for Theta Y and Theta Z), the sensor can be aligned in 30 seconds or less using the SmartPrecision alignment tool and optional SmartPrecision software. MicroE System's SmartPrecision software enables users with PCs running Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, or XP, to program resolution and bandwidth, monitor operation, set alarms, and diagnose Mercury encoders with the click of a mouse. Data plots include Lissajous display of raw and corrected encoder signal, signal strength over the length of the scale, encoder position over time and velocity over time.
The Mercury encoder family includes 21 models, all of which are claimed to be smaller, faster and smarter than any other encoders on the market. This breadth of product range means that OEM engineers can select the encoder model that is just right for their application - programmable, digital, analogue and vacuum models - while enjoying the performance improvements only Mercury encoder systems can deliver.
