Compact Absolute Encoder for OEM Applications
A new absolute encoder for PCB surface mounting has been released by Celera Motion, a business unit of Novanta. At just 9 x 7mm, the Aura™ Absolute Encoder Series is compact and low power, designed for applications where a tiny form factor is critical. Distributed in the UK and Ireland by INMOCO, the Aura™ delivers optimum feedback performance in an easy-to-install package.
The Aura™ series is designed for OEM applications such as surgical robots, cobots, robot joints and grippers, exoskeletons and wearables, and semiconductors.
High Resolution and Precision Feedback
Absolute position decoding is achieved by a short-wavelength LED, featuring 18–22-bit high-resolution interpolation. This is the result of an incremental scale track that reflects pure sine-wave signals detected by an advanced sensor with run speeds over 80k rpm on an 18mm track.
Eccentricity Compensation and Efficiency
Aura’s™ absolute position feedback is highly accurate, measured to +/- 0.01° for precision control requirements with high repeatability of just 1 LSB (least significant bit). Accuracy is augmented by built-in eccentricity compensation for minimal angle error, achieved by a compensation algorithm that eliminates the effects of off-centre scale mounting. This technology also removes the requirement for a second encoder, alternatively added to achieve dual average concentricity and accuracy, which reduces power consumption, footprint and cost.
Scale Options and Installation Simplicity
Highly compact dimensions and low heat dissipation enable easier PCB design. The Aura absolute encoder is also fast and simple to install. Standard scale sizes include 18mm outside diameter (OD) / 7 mm inside diameter (ID) and 33mm (OD) / 21mm (ID), while custom scale sizes are available from 16mm to 45mm (OD).
Wide alignment tolerances remove the need for exact, time-consuming positioning of the track and sensor head, while maintaining the accuracy of measurement. The Aura™ series encoder is highly efficient, requiring low power and a 5 V DC input voltage.
Interface Options and Connectivity
Real-time BiSS-C continuous mode interface means high-speed communications and minimal latency for high-bandwidth control loops. SSI, SPI and ABZ interfaces are also available, providing a wide range of connectivity options. The ABZ interface also provides incremental encoder capabilities for the lowest latency, and can be used to provide secondary position information.
Software Tools and Customisation Support
The Aura™ absolute encoder series is calibrated, aligned and provides status monitoring managed via Celera Motion’s intuitive SmartPrecision™ III software. To simplify installation, custom hubs with pre-mounted encoder scales can be offered. Encoder data can be downloaded in an easy-to-use CSV file format.
Celera Motion provides global application support and customisation to meet specific OEM requirements, with UK and Ireland applications supported by INMOCO.
