ATOM DX™ incremental encoder system with RKLF linear and partial arc scale
Features
- Digital output direct from the readhead
- Readhead size: 20.5 x 12.7 x 10.85 mm (20.5 x 12.7 x 7.85 mm for top exit variant)
- Resolutions down to 2.5 nm
- Speed up to 20 m/s
- Low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) of < ±75 nm for 20 µm version and < ±120 nm for 40 µm version
Benefits
- Miniature package
- No separate interface required
- Filtering optics design enabling high dirt immunity
- Advanced Diagnostic Tool for easy fault finding, challenging installations and servicing
- Narrow 6 mm wide scale suitable for space limited applications
- Suitable for partial arc measurement
What is ATOM DX?
The ATOM DX encoder series is Renishaw's smallest incremental optical encoder with digital output direct from the readhead. It provides positional feedback, onboard interpolation and filtering optics all in a miniature package.
Detailed diagnostic information can be accessed by using the optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi‑100 and ADT View software for in‑field diagnostics, fault finding and to aid optimisation of encoder set-up in even the most demanding applications.
The ATOM DX encoder also offers resolutions down to 2.5 nm with a wide range of configurations.
ATOM DX is supplied in cabled and top exit variants with either 20 µm or 40 µm scale options.
What is RKLF scale?
RKLF is a narrow, low profile stainless steel tape scale featuring 20 µm and 40 µm pitch incremental graduations and customer selectable reference marks. It is accurate to ±5 µm/m and available in lengths up to 10 metres (> 10 m on request). The RKLF is mastered to the machine substrate giving improved metrological performance when the scale ends are rigidly fixed to the substrate.
The flexible RKLF40 scale is also suitable for partial arc measurement where the small cross-sectional area allows it to be wrapped around a drum, shaft or arc with a minimum radius of 26 mm.
Why choose this encoder system?
Miniature encoder for space critical applications
ATOM DX, available in sizes as small as 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm x 7.85 mm, allows for integration in the tightest of spaces. There are a number of options to choose from, including both cabled and top exit versions.
Easy fault finding and servicing
The Advanced Diagnostic Tool acquires comprehensive real-time data from ATOM DX encoder readheads. The information is displayed via the user-friendly ADT View software interface. Whilst in most cases the integral set-up LED on the encoder is sufficient for setting up the system, the ADT can be used to aid more challenging installations. The ADT can also report on encoder performance and assist system fault finding to avoid lengthy machine downtime.
Narrow, robust and versatile scale
RKLF is a robust, 6 mm wide stainless steel encoder tape scale with a thickness of 0.15 mm. This allows the scale, when rigidly fixed to a machine axis, to become ‘mastered' to the machine substrate, matching its thermal expansion coefficient and behaviour. Differential movement between the scale and the machine is thus minimised.
RKLF partial arc encoder scales
RKLF40 encoder scales can be conveniently cut to required length and mounted on a simple cylindrical substrate with no requirement for complex mounting features or tightly toleranced alignment surfaces.
Optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100
The ATOM DX 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
- 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 | Narrow stainless steel tape scale with self-adhesive backing tape, for mounting directly to a substrate Suitable for partial arc applications (minimum radius for partial arc: 26 mm) |
Readhead size (LxWxH) | Cabled variant: 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm x 10.85 mm Top exit variant: 20.5 mm x 12.7 mm x 7.85 mm |
Scale pitch | 20 μm* and 40 µm *20 μm not suitable for partial arc applications |
Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20°C | Linear: matched to substrate material when scale ends are fitted with end clamps |
Accuracy grade at 20°C | 20 μm: ±5 μm/m 40 μm: ±15 μm/m 40 μm (high accuracy): ±5 μm/m |
Reference mark | Optical de-selectable |
Limit switches | N/A |
Scale length | Up to 10 m (> 10 m on request) |
Maximum speed | Up to 20 m/s (See data sheet for details) |
Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) | 20 µm version: typically < ±75 nm 40 µm version: typically < ±120 nm |
Dynamic signal control | Real time signal conditioning including Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) for optimised performance across a range of operating conditions |
Incremental signals | 10 µm to 2.5 nm resolution (See data sheet for details) |
Electrical connection | Cabled variant: 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 way) |
Power supply | 5 V -5/+10% typically < 200 mA fully terminated |
Vibration (operating) | 100 m/s² max @ 55 Hz to 2000 Hz, 3 axes |
Shock (operating) | 1 000 m/s², 6 ms, ½ sine, 3 axes |
Operating temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C |
Sealing | IP40 |
Refer to data sheets for full details.