For the accuracy and stability necessary in motion control, rotary encoders are an important component. Find the latest news and information about rotary encoders in the articles below.

Balluff’s new rotary encoder provides new level of positional information

Balluff (www.balluff.com) has announced that its latest S2E Rotary BML rotary encoder offers a new level of positional information, making it suitable for applications such as speed control, conveyors and angle measurement. Easy to set up and accurate, this rugged rotary encoder comes at a lower cost and is provides more effective improvement on traditional rotary encoder designs.

The S2E’s basic design consists of a non-contact sensor head and a magnetically-encoded ring — an assembly that can easily installed by users. Offering a quadrature output of up to 46,000 pulses per revolution, the assembly features a mounting hub that enables the magnetic ring to be adapted to various applications.

Balluf’s S2E provides a PLC the position information required for most conveyor-based manufacturing operational functions like multiple station error proofing with single station rejection. The position information provided by the new rotary encoder can also be utilized by the main programmable logic controller to develop programmable cams that are software driven.

It also provides accurate angle measurement for virtually all apparatus revolving around a shaft. The S2E, for instance, can be fitted on a miter saw’s spindle. An output signal can be transmitted to a digital display to provide the operator an accurate visual representation of the saw blade’s angular position.

The S2E also offers accurate monitoring and control of any rotating shaft, including a motor or any rotating equipment. Thus, rotational positions of solar reflectors can be monitored easily by the S2E, with its index pulse utilized to set home position.

Balluf’s new rotary encoder is IP67 rated, which implies that it can withstand outdoor environments.

BEI’s HS52 explosion proof rotary encoder revealed

BEI Sensors (www.beisensors.com) has unveiled a space-saving and ultra rugged industrial encoder that meets the required standards and certifications for use in potentially explosive environments. Model HS52 is the industry’s first ATEX and UL rated explosion proof hollow shaft encoder.

This rotary encoder can be operated directly in Zone 1 and Division 1 work environments where ignitable concentrations of flammable liquids vapors or gases are likely to exist in normal operating conditions.

The reliable and rugged rotary encoder eliminates the need for an accompanying Intrinsic Safety barrier, effectively simplifying installation. This also results to a more streamlined feedback system for the explosion proof environments.

Utilizing the explosion proof construction method, the HS52 rotary encoder is fitted in an enclosure that has the capability to contain and withstand even the most volatile gas-to-air mixture internal explosion.

The rotary encoder is equipped with a flexible shaft bore design, allowing it to be rigidly mounted to prevent stress to encoder bearings. The design also provides a more secure attachment to the hazardous area conduit fittings.

In addition, the encoder’s compact hollow shaft design provides engineers space-saving advantages not otherwise found in traditional shafted encoders. As ideal position sensing solution for oil and gas industries, the HS52 is also suitable for use in spray painting applications, solvent refining operations and other explosive environments where operating conditions are extreme and space is a premium.

Posital introduces a magnetic rotary encoder with hollow shaft design

Posital (www.posital.com) has announced that its Magnetocode (MCD) absolute rotary encoders now features a new hollow-shaft variant of the MCD encoder, making the devices easier to mount on shafts up to 20 mm in diameter.

Featuring excellent accuracy, adaptability and reliability, the new devices are offered with digital or analog electrical interfaces. With measurement technology based on a Hall-effect sensor and a rotating magnet, the analog models make a great alternative for traditional potentiometers as it provides superior longevity, reliability and accuracy.

Unlike potentiometers, these new encoders do not run the risk of losing accuracy due to surface contamination or wear since there is no contact among its components. The encoders also offer flexible range-setting feature that allows the installer to “teach” the device the potential mechanical motion’s limits during operations. When the limits have been established, the device will instantly self-calibrate to enable the full range of electrical output to exactly match the mechanical movement’s full range.

This results to a remarkable improvement on the control system’s overall accuracy. To simplify the setup, the analog-output models also provide LEDs and buttons on its casing.

The MCD encoders’ digital outputs include CANopen, serial (SSI) and DeviceNet. These tough MCD encoders feature heavy-duty enclosures to protect the measurement components from dust, shock and vibration, as well as mechanical loads and moisture (up to IP 69K ratings). The hollow-shaft models also feature permanently lubricated brass and steel gear-set for a trouble-free and long service life.

ILF Technologies to showcase M3 Rotary Cutter at Graph Expo

ILF Technologies (www.ilftech.com), one of the world’s leading suppliers of web finishing solutions for converting and printing industries, has announced that it will present the ILF M3 “Cutting Edge” Rotary Cutter at the upcoming Graph Expo this September inChicago.

Built for maximum uptime and make readies, the M3 Rotary Cutter is designed with a new anvil pin cylinder that features a push-through pin system and a positive bottom seating. This helps the pins from sinking whenever the rotary cutter is in use.

Featuring soft-cut heavy blade blocks and soft-cut die rule blocks, the M3 Rotary Cutter also provides more accurate and faster knife positioning. Aside from keeping the knife in its proper position when finding the knife block in the cylinder, the knife locating bar also delivers shorter make readies.

To strip away the non-print gap, the M3 Rotary Encoder features a new stripper finger system that utilizes a tool-less system to set the locating bar. This allows the locating bar to effortlessly and quickly line up the stripping pins.

Its integrated Siemens SIMOTION drive and controls ensures that the rotary cutter offers extreme accuracy and reliability.

The M3 Rotary Cutter, which will be presented at the Graph Expo, will be fitted with the XTC Delivery Table, which offers a great return on investments with its fewer jams, increased speeds and easier operation. Effective at handling coated covers and lighter basis weight papers, the new mechanical design and the new servo technology deliver reduced make-ready time as well as start-up waste. The delivery’s independent drive from the cutter allows various on-the-run adjustments that were not offered in mechanically driven systems.

Siko AH36M rotary encoder features “teach-in-function”

Siko GmbH (www.siko.de) has proudly announced the release of a new rotary encoder that adapts to the application and not vice versa — the AH36M rotary encoder. With this principle, the company has taken a new direction in the rotary encoder segment, and has incorporated a magnetic analog absolute encoder that features a “teach-in-function” to the range.

The new AH36M rotary encoder comes with two external inputs that allow it to be set to the preferred measurement range in just a few simple steps. This provides users the complete signal amplitude (from 0 to 10 V or four to 20 mA) across the exact measurement range that the user has selected. Whether the user wants to measure two, 10 or 100 revolutions, this new rotary encoder provides the best solution for the job, as it eliminates the need to stock encoders with various measurement ranges or gear ratios.

Using battery-free multi turn and non-wearing technology, the cost-effective rotary encoder completes the chosen measurement range in 4096 steps or 12 bits. Specifically designed for high loads, the AH36M rotary encoder features twin ball bearings.

Its battery-free multi turn technology and non-wearing magnetic measurement principle makes it suitable for positioning tasks in mechanically challenging work environments. Measuring 36.5 mm in diameter, the rotary encoder’s compact construction makes it ideally suited for use in applications with limited space. Although it comes in a compact design, the new AH36M rotary encoder still features a six mm hollow shaft.

POSITAL offers new interface options for rotary encoders

POSITAL (www.posital.com) has announced that its Optocode (OCD) absolute rotary encoders now come with a new combined interface that allows simultaneous communication of both incremental and absolute position data. The company’s new interface is specifically developed to deliver cost effective and robust point-to-point communications between various kinds of programmable logic controllers (PLC) and encoders.

Utilizing the synchronous serial interface (SSI) standard, the new interface relays absolute rotary position information to the PLC. While the shaft is rotating at a maximum speed of 16,384 pulses per rotation, the encoder also sends a series of electronic pulses. An optional index pulse can also be transmitted once every complete rotation.

Meanwhile, the incremental pulses can be transmitted via a push/pull connection or over an RS-422/485 link. Responding to a request from the controller, the dual-personality encoders offer access to absolute rotary position information while accurately measuring the rotational velocity in real-time and making it suitable for monitoring rotating machinery or for motor control applications.

These encoders also offers other new features such as optimized diagnostic reporting through the SSI connection or through case-mounted LED’s, and an optional case-mounted push-button that enables the operator to re-set the absolute position readout’s zero-position (datum).

The new OCD encoders keeps the previous generation devices’ best features, including accuracy, highly effective shaft and connection seals (up to IP66 protection), precision (up to 216 steps per turn) and single- or multi-turn capabilities. Available in hollow, solid and hub shaft variants, the units can be supplied with a cable exit or a connector.

Balluff Introduces new rotary encoder

Balluff’s new S2E Rotary BML rotary encoder provides a new level of positional information for applications such as conveyors, speed control, and angle measurement. Rugged, accurate, and easy to set up, Balluff’s rotary encoder is a lower cost, more effective improvement on standard rotary encoder designs. The basic design of the S2E consists of a magnetically-encoded ring and a non-contact sensor head. This assembly installs easily and provides a quadrature output at up to 46,000 pulses per revolution. An available mounting hub allows its magnet ring to be adapted to a wide range of applications.

Balluff’s S2E

• Provides accurate velocity and position tracking of virtually any rotary movement to monitor continuous and/or oscillating rotary shaft motion.
• Converts rotary motion into linear measurement to provide compact linear positioning information.
• Provides continuous feedback allowing PLC-directed set points and electronic cams to be established to make the operation of the host machine more flexible.

Conveyor Applications
The S2E gives a PLC the position information necessary for virtually all conveyor-based manufacturing operational functions such as multiple station error proofing with single station rejection. It also provides conveyor speed control monitoring. Position information provided by the S2E can also be used by the central PLC to develop software driven programmable cams.

Angle Control and Adjustment
The S2E provides accurate angle measurement for any apparatus that revolves around a shaft. For example, the S2E can be mounted on the spindle of a miter saw. An output signal can be sent to a digital display to give the operator an accurate visual indication of the angular position of the saw blade.

Speed Control and Monitoring
The S2E provides accurate control and monitoring of any rotating shaft such as a motor or any rotating equipment. For example, rotational positions of solar reflectors can easily be monitored by the S2E. An index pulse can be used to set home position (due East, for example). Balluff’s rotary encoder has an IP67 rating, which means it can easily withstand outdoor environments.

Balluff
www.balluff.com

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces EVM58 Ethernet IP Encoders

TWINSBURG, OH – Pepperl+Fuchs introduces EVM58 Ethernet IP Encoders. Available in single or multi-turn configurations, these rotary encoders provide highly accurate absolute machine position or velocity feedback to the system controller via an industry-standard Ethernet/IP interface. Ethernet IP Encoders are also compatible with a variety of PLC controllers, including industry-standard PLC products from Rockwell Automation, Allen Bradley and Schneider, making them well suited for material handling, automotive and general factory automation applications.

Ethernet IP Encoders come in standard 58mm diameter housings, with a solid 10mm shaft, and clamping flange design. Diagnostic LEDs provide visual status indication to help users quickly correct problems and keep machines up and running. M12 d-coded connectors simplify operation and are used to power, and facilitate communication to and from, the encoder. Ethernet IP Encoders can be used with cable pull devices to determine linear position feedback and transmit that feedback back to the controller.

In addition to Ethernet/IP, Pepperl+Fuchs offers a complete family of encoders for CANopen-, DeviceNet-, PROFIBUS- and AS-Interface operation.

Pepperl+Fuchs
www.pepperl-fuchs.us

Unique Rotary Ring Encoder from RSF

Tarsdorf, Austria – A new modular steel tape rotary encoder from RSF Elektronik is now available for measurement applications with diameters of 6 inches (150 mm) to 6 feet (~2 m). Named the MSR 40, this unique and versatile encoder is available in North America through HEIDENHAIN Corporation. Applications for this economical ring encoder include rotary tables, telescopes and medical instrumentation.

The steel tape of the MSR 40 utilizes the proven Single-Field Scanning principle with 200µm grating pitch – offering ease of mounting with high achievable angular resolution. Accuracy of the system is ±30 µm/m with an operating temperature of 0 C to +50 C. With these specifications, this encoder is distinguished by its successful operation at high speeds, especially noteworthy for large measurement applications.

The novelty of the MSR 40 encoder is that it links the ends of the steel tape together with one of two joining mechanisms, depending upon the application. Measurement through a full 360° is thus possible. The MOR version uses a steel ring tensioning cleat for encoders mounted to a steel surface thus allowing for thermal expansion; the MER version uses a rubber gasket with a low-profile tensioning cleat for other mounting surfaces.

Depending on the shaft diameter, line counts of up to 20,000 are available on the MSR 40. All versions offer quasi – absolute positioning via distance-coded reference marks or homing via a single reference mark. The MSR 40 is easily mountable and is available in both standard and custom sizes. Custom orders are welcomed.

RSF Elektronik
www.rsf.at

Incremental Rotary Encoders from Pepperl+Fuchs

TWINSBURG, OH – Pepperl+Fuchs introduces MNI40 Incremental Rotary Encoders. The MNI40 is a robust magnetic, non-contact encoder with intelligent diagnostics suitable for a wide range of applications. The MNI40 delivers resolution up to 3,600 pulses per revolution at speeds up to 30,000 rev/min and operating temperatures from -40°C…+100 °C.

Robust, compact and simple installation of the MNI40 make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications including machine construction, wind power, mobile equipment, material handling lifts and conveying technology. Primary features include:

• Clear indication via LED display (2-color)
• Easy installation and setup
• Quality assurance through complete self-diagnosis
• Long service life

“The LED indications are particularly useful during installation and setup because they provide information on proper assembly.” says David Rubinski, Product Manager. “The integration of the LED also reduces installation time and test equipment requirements, and offers greater potential for reducing overall costs of machine and/or system construction.” explains Rubinski.

The MNI40 utilizes a zero-contact (magnetic) connection between the encoder sensor and magnetic wheel, enabling the MNI40N encoder to measure speed without ball bearings. This eliminates bearing wear due to mechanical forces and ensures long operating life. The sensor includes sensing electronics, housed in a compact IP67 rated enclosure and an elastomer coated magnetic wheel – so contact with water and oil will not damage the encoder system.

Pepperl+Fuchs
www.pepperl-fuchs.us

HEIDENHAIN’s 1000 Series Rotary Encoders

SCHAUMBURG, IL - Opening up the market for innovations in the automation, medicine and electronics equipment industries, HEIDENHAIN Corporation presents a new generation of rotary encoders with IP 64 protection, absolute position-value formation and functional safety, all within a 35 mm diameter housing size. These small rotary encoders are known as HEIDENHAIN’s 1000 Series and designed to be especially useful as single-encoder measurement feedback systems in safety-oriented applications.

HEIDENHAIN’s safety-oriented position encoders with functional safety provide two independently formed position values via a serial EnDat interface. They are certified according to the EN ISO 13849, EN 61508 and EN 954-1 standard for performance level d, safety integrity level 2 and category 3, respectively. The EnDat 2.2 version of these new absolute rotary encoders with serial data transfer offers a singleturn resolution of 23 bits, and a multiturn resolution of 12 bits. The supply voltage range is from 3.6 V to 14 V.

Eight new rotary encoders round out HEIDENHAIN’s 1000 Series including:

–ECN 1013, ECN 1025, EQN 1025, EQN 1035, ROC 1013, ROC 1025, ROQ 1025 and ROQ 1035.

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION
www.heidenhain.com

LEINE & LINDE Uses Early Warning System in Encoder Series

Strängnäs, Sweden – In order to avoid false diagnoses, costly downtime and prevent sudden failures of rotary encoders in modern machinery, LEINE & LINDE offers a unique integrated early warning system called ADS™ (”Advanced Diagnostic System”) in its 800 Series of rotary encoders. These specially equipped encoders are gaining attention and are of particular interest to those in production plants in the milling industries (for example: wind mills, paper mills, steel mills, oil mills and mining).

Today’s production plants use rotary encoders that are often subjected to high mechanical streses in the form of shock and vibrations as well as high temperatures. It is a fact that the cost of machinery downtime in manufacturing is often all out of proportion to the expense of a simple defective component. And since rotary encoders are key parts of modern machinery and plant control units, it makes sense to equip them with a diagnostic system which continously monitors the internal functionality, therefore providing a basis for initiating maintenance measures in good time. The LEINE & LINDE 800 Series Encoders with ADS™ has often been known to quickly and clearly detect worn-out ball bearings due to poor installation, dust contamination, moisture issues and overheating, to name a few.

Specifically, this LEINE & LINDE automatic self-diagnosis system works by internally monitoring the completeness of the rotary encoder pulses and the correct pulse sequence. Even a single counter difference is registered by the system and reported. This error is relayed as a flashing LED on the rear of the encoder housing. The time of the fault and the corresponding error code are stored in the LEINE & LINDE 800 Series rotary encoder so that the user has the opportunity to read out and analyse the error code via an RS-32 interface once the encoder has been removed. A report can also be displayed directly at the machine if additional wiring is added to an overriding system control.

Leine & Linde
www.leinelinde.com

Stainless Steel Encoders from Leine & Linde

Strängnäs, Sweden – In consideration of machines and equipment used in harsh environments, Leine & Linde now offer stainless steel versions of all their measurement fieldbus encoders with shaft. Available interfaces are PROFIBUS, PROFINET, DeviceNet™ and CANopen.

Conventional rotary encoders are not suitable for harsh environments where corrosive agents are found. This is the case in many industries in which the encoders are exposed to an atmosphere of moisture and chemicals. Such environments will result in corrosion of the encoders’ mechanical parts and may cause loss in operation.

Leine & Linde
www.leinelinde.com

Incremental Rotary Encoders from Pepperl+Fuchs

TWINSBURG, OH – Pepperl+Fuchs introduces RVS58S Incremental Rotary Encoders with integrated safety technology. RVS58S encoders with self-diagnostics are specifically designed for use in safety aligned systems up to SIL3 in accordance with IEC 61508, performance level “e” in accordance with IEC 13849, and Category 4 in accordance with DIN EN 954-1. They are also suitable as a motor feedback system for safe drives in accordance with IEC 61800-5-2.

In response to these needs, Pepperl+Fuchs developed the RVS58S rotary encoder with functional safety that enables economical system integration. This new concept provides easier connection methods to the control system and allows it to be used in high safety category systems. Technically speaking, RVS58S incremental encoders have a sin/cos interface, 1024 or 2048 signal periods, and are thermally stabilized for high resolution interpolation. They operate at 5 VDC ±5% and deliver a maximum output frequency of 200 kHz in operating temperatures ranging from -20 °C …80 °C (253 K …353 K). They are rated to handle axial shaft loads of 40 N at maximum 6000 RPM or 10 N at maximum 12,000 RPM, and radial shaft loads of 60 N at maximum 6000 RPM or 20 N at maximum 12,000 RPM.

The industrial landscape is populated with ever faster high-performance machines, in whose environment a whole range of robots and automatic feed systems are also operating in order to ‘unload’ the operating personnel. In any application where such systems are in use and moving machinery parts are driven by high-performance systems, there is the potential for danger to the operating personnel. According to the Machine Directive and relevant safety regulations for health and safety in the workplace, even brief lapses in attention must not result in shearing, crushing and impact injuries – or worse. The preferred use of rotary encoders in such applications is to monitor rotating or swiveling components in drive systems, making them a core safety consideration in drives.

In order to keep the expense of safety measures within limits, rational safety concepts will increase in importance in the future. Consequently, in this context the functional safety of individual system components, such as rotary encoders, assumes new significance. This transpires against the background of a changing situation with regard to standards, since the standard EN 954-1, which has been binding since 1996, remains valid only up to 29.12.2009.

The deterministic approach of EN 954-1, of countering the deduced risk categories by means of an appropriate system behavior, will now be superseded by the more effective standards EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061. With their consideration of failure probabilities (probabilistic approach) these are also more in keeping with the requirements of modern programmable electronics, which has long been subject to the considerations of safety technology. The IEC 61508 serves as the higher-level standard for functional safety.

Since the architecture determines a significant proportion of safety costs, smart ideas can reduce these costs while even increasing the efficiency of sensor-system safety. The use of mechanisms featuring two-channel operation, without completely duplicated execution of the functional units, is an effective approach. However, even systems with two rotary encoders or a dual encoder do not necessarily have to be classified according to the new standard. In order for a sensor to receive a high safety evaluation, it must be ensured that the Safe Failure Fraction (SFF) and the degree of Diagnostic Coverage (DC) are appropriate to comply with the minimum requirements. Self-diagnosis implies that the device is able to detect its own fault conditions and then reliably communicate the same. In this way machines and control systems are able to immediately carry out a defined stoppage, before subsequent failures of any kind can lead to a dangerous situation.

Pepperl+Fuchs
www.pepperl-fuchs.com

Inductive Rotary Encoders for Resolver Systems

SCHAUMBURG, IL – The inductive rotary encoders of the HEIDENHAIN ExI 1100 series are now available in versions whose mating dimensions are the same as those of common types of resolvers. Depending on the respective applications and accuracy requirements, inductive or optical absolute encoders are now possible as high resolution alternatives to resolvers. These encoders are easy to mount and inexpensive, and are destined for applications that require a high degree of reliability and durability.

Furthermore, the HEIDENHAIN ExI 1100 rotary encoders with EnDat 2.1 interface feature an improved inductive scanning method, with which the singleturn resolution was increased to 18 bits (262,144 position values per revolution). This results in a higher control quality of the drive.

Servo drives with inductive rotary encoders enjoy advantages over those using resolvers in terms of positioning accuracy, speed stability and control dynamics. This is made possible by the greater control bandwidth and a significantly higher number of signal periods for the formation of the singleturn position value. The position value is produced by electronics already integrated in the encoder, and is transferred as purely digital information to the higher-level electronics over the fast bidirectional EnDat interface. As an option, the information can be transferred as an analog signal. An integrated readable and writable EEPROM makes user parameters available in the subsequent electronics at all times, enabling the encoder and its environment to self-configure over the synchronous serial interface.

The encoder’s real multiturn capability frees the system from the need to be “homed” after power interruptions or switch-on. Conventional battery-supported systems requiring regular maintenance are no longer needed. Alarm and diagnostic functions ensure high system availability rates.

www.heidenhain.com

World’s Smallest Rotary Encoder

MicroMo Electronics, Inc. announces the expansion of its encoder product line with the addition of its PA2-50. Leading the way again in miniature motor feedback development, MicroMo now provides a high-resolution, low current-draw optical encoder in a 6mm diameter package.

Blending the best technologies, the PA2-50 expands possibilities for applications requiring miniature motors with encoders. Moving beyond magnetic technology, the PA2-50 provides an impressive 50 lines per revolution before quadrature utilizing optical technology. The increased resolution comes efficiently with a battery-friendly current draw of 8mA. Operating at 2.7 to 3.3V DC, low-voltage battery applications continue running longer with more robust feedback signal reliability.

The PA2-50 raises expectations by using leading-edge technologies. By incorporating the smallest optical encoder, Avago’s AEDR 8400 provides the foundation for consistent, accurate, and high resolution that cannot be matched by magnetic encoders. Optimized for the AEDR 8400, a custom-designed code wheel maximizes the reflected light increasing the system’s efficiency and signal reliability.

PA2-50 encoders assembled to 6mm diameter coreless motors are immediately available from stock with a 24 – 48 hour turnaround.

www.MicroMo.com

Heavy Duty Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder

Newbury Park, CA – Micronor’s new MR316 ZapFREE™ Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder is designed for heavy duty, industrial motor drive applications requiring high reliability, EMI immunity, ATEX compliance, IP66 ingress protection and even operation in extreme temperatures. The sensor is size 90mm and features large 12mm Æ shaft and extra heavy duty bearings and shaft seals. Together with the remote MR310 module, the ZapFREE™ encoder system uniquely combines three functions in one – incremental encoder, multi-turn position sensor and tachometer. Typical applications include petrochemical plants, oil rigs, steel mills, aerial cable cars, cranes and hoists.

The MR316’s all-optical, totally passive design outperforms resolvers as well as conventional optical and magnetic encoders. Advantages include: wide operating range (-60°C/+150°C); outdistances copper cable; intrinsically safe and ATEX-compliant; immune to EMI/RFI and ground loops; unaffected by high magnetic fields; and radiation resistant. Mounting options include synchro clamps or panel mount.

The “passive” MR316 optically links to the “active” MR310 ZapFREEä Remote Encoder Interface (REI) Module via a single 62.5/125 multimode fiber link – up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) away. With its standard DIN-rail mount, the MR310 module is co-located with the PLC or other system interface electronics where power supply connections and conventional electrical interface connections are easily made. The module offers a wide range of standard interfaces: direct quadrature outputs (both push-pull and line driver), separate multiplier/divider quadrature outputs, two fully-programmable analog outputs (4-20mA and +/-10V), and PC-friendly RS232/RS422/RS485 serial interface. For custom applications, the MR310 firmware can be easily enhanced with additional functions and modes of operation to offload previous forms of remote processing for more efficient system operation.

Based on U.S. Patent 7,196,320, the ZapFREE™ encoders utilize telecom-proven WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) technology by assigning each internal optical path (A or B) to a wavelength so that all wavelengths/paths can be combined onto a single fiber. It was deliberate to avoid the use of multiple fibers as this tends to drive up the cost of the optical harness. A single-fiber cable is inherently more cost effective and more reliable than any multi-wire or multi-fiber or hybrid cable assembly – and easier to handle and install as well. It just doesn’t get any simpler.

www.micronor.com