Magnetic Tape Encoders for Speed and Position Monitoring

Southington, Conn. – Baumer’s HDMag line of high-precision, bearing-less and contact-free magnetic tape encoders is suited for speed and position monitoring on large diameter shafts. Replacing expensive and complicated specialized solutions that require belts, gears, couplings and linkages, the HDMag series of encoders is easy to install and will direct mount onto almost any large-shaft torque motor or generator.

Using Baumer’s patent-pending HDMag MSGP sensor technology, the series consists of a magnetic encoder attached using flexible magnetic tape. The customized tape can be easily buckled onto the drive or generator shaft, just like a belt. With the help of the welded fastener, the tape is tightened on the shaft and can be quickly exchanged when required. The narrow read-head incorporates an integrated dual sensor head that is mounted to a frame over the flexible tape. This takes up minimal space on the shaft and operates without interruption over the fastening gap in the tape ends, and has no effect on the encoder output signal.

The unit can be installed and removed repeatedly without affecting performance, and offers wear-free speed and position feedback with a nearly unlimited service life.

For uninterrupted sensing across the fastening gap, the flexible magnetic tape encoder features an integrated dual sensor head and a signal processing unit (patent pending). The large permissible tolerances on axial displacement (+/- 5 mm) and air gap (up to 3 mm) ease alignment of the sensor head and also ensure  reliable detection unaffected by mechanical backlash and vibrations. The fully encapsulated electronics integrated in the sensor head are protected against soiling, shocks and vibrations. The integrated FPGA-based signal processing allows for high angular resolutions, better than 0.003°, more than 100,000 ppr, and will remain unaffected by thermal shaft expansion.

For more information on Baumer’s HDMag line, visit www.baumer.com.