SiGNUM™ RSLM encoder system

The new RSLM stainless steel spar scale offers performance to rival fine pitch glass scales yet is available in lengths up to 5 m. RSLM offers a total accuracy (including slope and linearity) better than ±4 μm over 5 m – an industry first! With ±30 nm cyclic error, patented filtering optics, resolution to 5 nm and simple installation, SiGNUM™ RSLM retains all of the benefits of a 20 μm encoder yet provides the performance of a fine pitch system.

RSLM 20 µm pitch stainless steel scale

20 µm RSLM stainless steel scale is perfect for long travel applications where metrology can not be compromised.

• The robust spar scale is available in defined lengths up to 5 m

• Total accuracy better than ±4 µm over 5 m

• Thermal expansion: 10.8 µm/m/°C

• RSLM can be coiled for simple storage and handling, yet once uncoiled behaves as a spar scale

• Mounted using specially formulated adhesive tape or mechanical clips

• IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical reference mark, bi-directionally repeatable even at maximum speed (12.5 m/s)

• Multiple IN-TRAC™ reference mark positions: scale mid-point (RSLM), scale end-point (RSLE), distance coded for short travel indexing (RSLD) or regularly spaced for customer selection (RSLC)

• Dual optical limits provide on-scale end-of-travel indication

SR readhead and Si interface features and benefits

• Cyclic error of ±30 nm, offering 'fine pitch' encoder performance

• Capable of operation up to 12.5 m/s and 85 °C

• Excellent signal stability in conditions unsuitable for most open optical encoders

• Si interface offers industry standard analogue and digital outputs

• User selectable gain control (AGC) maintains 1 Vpp analogue signal amplitude

• Integral LEDs on readhead and interface for optimum set-up and system diagnosis

• High flex UL approved cable – up to 10 m between readhead and interface

• Optional IP68 in-line connector available

Compare the SR with alternative optical linear readheads.

SiGNUM™ software

SiGNUM™ software is PC based and provides comprehensive calibration, set-up optimisation and real-time diagnostics to simplify installation and system maintenance. The Si interface is connected to the PC via a mini USB connector.

• "Real time", remote monitoring of signal level and system performance, including signal strength meter, Lissajous plot and IRED feedback meter (AGC drive), to assist with system optimisation

• Pitch adjustment indicator enables fine adjustment of the readhead pitch

• Quick and simple remote calibration of the reference mark and incremental signals

• System alerts warn the user of conditions that are less than optimum (warning function) and of any errors that occur (alarm function)

• Technical "info" guide provides contextual help and a detailed explanation of system functions and fault-finding

• System configuration page displays Si interface configuration detailing resolution, clock frequency, etc.

• Multilingual user interface allows the user to select from English, German, Italian and Japanese

Technical specificationsReadhead dimensions 14.8 mm x 36.0 mm x 16.5 mm (H x L x W)

Outputs (resolution) RS422: 5 µm, 1 µm, 0.5 µm, 0.2 µm, 0.1 µm, 50 nm, 20 nm, 10 nm, 5nm.Analogue: 1Vpp

Interpolation Si interface (x4 to x4000)

Reference mark IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical

Limit switches Customer positioned optical dual limits

Maximum speed 12.5 m/s

Ride height tolerance 0.8 ±0.08 mm

Scale types 20 µm RSLM stainless steel scale

Vacuum compatible No