VIONiC™ incremental encoder system with RKLC20-S linear and partial arc scale
Features
- Digital output direct from the readhead
- Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
- Resolutions up 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
- Narrow 6 mm wide scale suitable for space limited applications
- Suitable for partial arc measurement
- Substrate mastered scale giving improved metrological performance
- No separate interface required
- High dirt and solvent immunity
- Advanced Diagnostic Tool
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 RKLC20-S scale?
RKLC20-S is a narrow, low profile stainless steel tape scale featuring 20 µm pitch incremental graduations and IN-TRAC customer selectable reference marks. It is accurate to ±5 µm/m and available in lengths up to 20 metres (> 20 m on request). The RKLC20-S is mastered to the machine substrate giving improved metrological performance when the scale ends are rigidly fixed to the substrate.
The flexible RKLC20-S 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 30 mm.
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
Narrow, robust and versatile scale
RKLC 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.
RKLC partial arc encoder scales
RKLC 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 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 | 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: 30 mm) |
Readhead size (LxWxH) | 35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm |
Scale pitch | 20 μm |
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 | ±5 μm/m |
Reference mark | IN-TRAC reference marks directly embedded in the RKLC-S Selector magnet(s) used to identify one or more reference marks |
Limit switches | Dual limits |
Scale length | Up to 20 m (> 20 m on request) |
| Scale form (H x W) | 0.15 mm x 6 mm including adhesive |
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 | 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 3 m, 5 m and 10 m cable lengths with D-type connectors (9 and 15 pin) |
Power supply | 5 V -5%/+10% |
Vibration (operating) | 100 m/s2 max at 55 Hz to 2 000 Hz |
Shock (non-operating) | 500 m/s2, 11 ms, ½ sine, 3 axes |
Operating temperature | 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.