Inmoco’s new Mercury 3000Si Dual Axis Averager, from MicroE Systems, is suitable for rotary applications where the highest positional accuracy and (where necessary) high speed are essential. The Averager’s high-speed serial word interface (SPI) allows operation at maximum resolution and rotational speed: up to 16.8M CPR (0.08 arc-sec) at 1300 RPM - many times faster than standard A-quad-B outputs. In addition, the bi-directional optical index signal of the 3000Si is repeatable (to 1 LSB) of the encoder's resolution.
Offering the key benefit of instrument- free alignment in under 30- seconds, the new M3000Si is designed for use on precision rotary tables and actuators, and is particularly well-suited high for performance laser beam steering applications, such as laser marking, drilling, welding and cutting. It is also ideal for exotic rotary applications, such as long range, high magnification surveillance systems. More down to earth applications include the accurate centring of rotary scales during motion system set-up.
Easy to integrate, with a miniature sensor measuring just 8.4mm high, the 3000Si Dual Axis Averager is also an economical solution for any X-Y stage. It allows engineers to conveniently cable two Mercury sensor heads to a single interpolator module; each axis can then be programmed to optimal resolution, up to 20 nm on each axis, using the SmartPrecision encoder software. The system can also provide robustness in linear or rotary applications by using redundant sensors. By detecting any difference in real-time, faults can instantly be detected in motion systems.
The design of the Dual Axis Averager comprises two Mercury sensor heads, a programmable SmartPrecision dual-interpolator/averager module and a rotary glass scale. The system operates by eliminating rotational eccentricity errors through advanced signal-averaging and accuracy optimisation algorithms.
Signal processing and programmable interpolation to x1024 are performed within the unit. Position data are digitised and then sent directly to the controller's DSP. This enables the motion system to operate at high speeds with unmatched position accuracy using averaged sensor feedback for closed-loop control.
In addition to ultra high speed averaging, the Mercury Dual Axis Averager's SmartPrecision electronics and optional SmartPrecision software provide digital readouts and robust programmable features, including multiple index modes, output channel configurations and serial word interface settings.
The SmartPrecision software equips engineers with a tool to assess encoder performance in real time for initial motion loop tuning, and for system monitoring over time. In addition to initial setup of interpolation depth, SmartPrecision software generates graphical displays of signal strength, Lissajous plots, as well as position and velocity data and output speed. The software can even be used for data capture and displaying alarms. Moreover, if the set-up is changed for a faster controller at a later date, the user can easily reprogram the output bandwidth to match the new controller.
Complementing its other performance advantages, the Mercury 3000Si Dual Axis Averager is ruggedised for high noise environments and delivers best-in-class noise immunity. The encoder’s SmartPrecision electronics are housed in a metal enclosure, as are the sensor electronics, and all cabling is double shielded.