TONiC™ incremental encoder system with RTLC20 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
- Vacuum and Functional Safety variants available
- Optical IN‑TRAC™ reference mark
Benefits
- Tape scale convenience and unrivalled ruggedness
- Carrier-type scale system for quick, easy installation and replacement of scale
- Dynamic signal conditioning for improved motion control
- High dirt immunity
- Diagnostic kit
What is TONiC?
The TONiC™ series is a compact, non-contact incremental encoder system that offers speeds up to 10 m/s and, when combined with the Ti interface, resolutions down to 1 nm for both linear and rotary applications. Advanced filtering optics within the readhead give TONiC very low jitter, resulting in excellent positional stability and smoother velocity control. This makes TONiC the ideal encoder for applications where movement must be tightly controlled.
The TONiC encoder gives exceptional signal stability with low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) of typically <±30 nm to help realise superior motion control performance.
TONiC encoders also feature an integrated setup LED for intuitive and efficient installation.
What is RTLC20 scale?
RTLC20 is a low profile stainless steel tape scale featuring a 20 µm pitch and IN-TRAC customer selectable reference mark. It is accurate to ±5 µm/m and in lengths up to 10 metres (> 10 metres on request). Two mounting options are available, both allow independent thermal expansion and tape scale convenience.
RTLC20 can be used with the revolutionary FASTRACK™ scale carrier system. This system allows a track to be laid quickly and easily with no need for fixing holes. A sacrificial spacer is removed and the tape scale is then fed into the track.
RTLC20-S is laid onto the substrate with self-adhesive backing tape. The self-adhesive is formulated in such a way that it allows for independent scale expansion to that of the substrate.
To complete the installation, both types of scale are clamped at one point to provide a datum position.
Why choose this encoder system?
Easily removable scale
RTLC20/FASTRACK is ideal for applications that need the machine to be broken down for transportation or require the scale to be installed/removed for transit. The scale can be pulled out of the guide rails and quickly replaced, even when access is limited, thus reducing machine downtime.
Exceptional metrology
The TONiC encoder features Renishaw's market-proven filtering optics and advanced signal processing. Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) technologies reduce analogue signal noise and digital jitter within the readhead.
TONiC encoders deliver exceptionally low signal output jitter of <±0.5 nm RMS and low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) of <±30 nm, enabling systems to hold position better and generate less heat in linear motor applications. Low jitter also enables smoother velocity control in high-precision applications operating at low speeds.
Flexible configuration
The TONiC series offers a variety of external interfaces that can be configured to meet the speed and resolution requirements of the application. With late-stage integration and configuration of the external interface, one versatile TONiC readhead offers many options for end user customisation.
TONiC interface options enable digital, analogue, or dual output of both digital and analogue signals. The TD (dual resolution) interface offers selectable dual-resolution output, and a DPI interface is also available for wide-format printing applications. The flexibility of TONiC encoder configuration allows OEMs to benefit from superior motion control and high throughput in a wide range of applications.
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 | FASTRACK RTLC20: stainless steel tape scale with carrier system RTLC20-S: stainless steel tape scale with self-adhesive backing tape, for mounting directly to a substrate without FASTRACK guide rails |
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 | ±5 μm/m |
Reference mark | IN-TRAC reference marks directly embedded into RTLC20 / RTLC20-S Selector magnet used to identify chosen reference mark |
Limit switches | Dual or single limits (select at time of order) |
Scale length | FASTRACK: 100 mm to 25 m RTLC20/RTLC20-S: up to 10 m (> 10 m on request) |
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) |
Vibration (operating) | 100 m/s2max @ 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 |
Sealing | Readhead: IP40 Interface: IP20 |
Refer to data sheets for full details.