Safety encoder features ultra-compact dimensions

With the TRK38, TWK introduces an ultra-compact single-turn magnetic encoder developed with safety-oriented applications in mind. With a diameter of only 38 mm and a length of also 38 mm, and a weight of 60 g, the sensor is suitable for mounting in confined installation spaces.

The TRK38 detects position and speed in a safety-oriented manner and fulfils the requirements of SIL 2 (IEC 61508) and Performance Level d (EN 13849). The position resolution is 16 bits per revolution. The certified EtherCAT FSoE interface ensures reliable transmission of the safety-related signals to the higher-level controller or to a safety relay, as well as programming of the sensor.

Despite its very compact dimensions and high-quality design, the TRK38 is also competitively priced with alternative devices such as sine-cosine and incremental encoders. And the aluminum housing and overall design enable long service life even under conditions such as vibration and shock loads. The non-contact, wear-free measuring principle makes a significant contribution to this.

With this property profile, the TRK38 is suitable for safety applications in a wide range of applications. Like many of TWK’s developments, it was developed on the basis of a customer request for an extremely compact but robust single-turn encoder for safety applications.

TWK is well prepared for precisely such requests. On the basis of a comprehensive sensor program for demanding applications, the developers adapt the respective basic model to the individual wishes of the customer – for example with regard to the size, the housing design, the electrical properties, the interface and quite generally for the mechanical and electrical integration into the surrounding construction. This applies not only to conventional sensors, but also to those that take on functional safety tasks.

TWK also manufactures such customised sensors in small quantities. The worldwide distribution creates the prerequisite for close cooperation during the development or adaptation process, and the extraordinarily flexible production allows the individual customer wishes to be taken into account in the production of the sensors. It is therefore quite conceivable that TWK will introduce further variants of the TRK 38, e.g. with other interfaces and communication options.

For more information, visit www.twk.de/en.