Absolute Multiturn Rotary Encoder

Absolute Encoder Prototype
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The Absolute Multiturn Rotary Encoder is a great example of Ciholas Technologies delivering innovative and patentable ideas. This technology allows for extremely durable, reliable, and compact encoders to measure the position of a rotating shaft over thousands to billions of turns with a resolution of less than 1 degree per turn.

The encoder is of ideal use on a high speed motor with output geared down to an output shaft or link. It is perfectly suited for Servo Drives, Actuators, Metering and Measurement, and Industrial Equipment. The encoder is a true absolute sensor and does not use batteries or other means of maintaining positional awareness while not in use. The sensor reads position correctly even if the shaft is moved while powered off. There is no need or requirement to home or calibrate the sensor on power up.

The encoder can count turns of the input shaft, potentially up to several billion turns, in a very compact form factor. It provides angular position of the input shaft, potentially within a degree, over the entire operating turn count. The sensing method has inherent redundancy and can detect and warn of sensor malfunction. The redundant mechanisms make it extremely unlikely to produce erroneous output.

Prototype Electronics
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The sensing element is non contact. It does not suffer from occlusion or condensation problems of optical sensors, glitches and wear of potentiometer wipers, and it does not have fine windings that are inherent in the complex drive electronics of variable transformers. The simple spur gears operate unloaded with a very low running torque. The product life is determined solely by gears and bearings which make it easy to provide for any specified operating lifetime.

The prototype was used to demonstrate and prove the encoder concept. The prototype has a turn capacity of over 1 million, a resolution per turn of 6 degrees (64 positions), over 65 million definable positions, and a repeatability of 8 degrees. A generic version is planned that will have improved performance over the prototype including a turn capacity over 19 million, a resolution per turn of .35 degrees (1024 positions), over 19 billion definable positions, and repeatability of less than 1 degree. The generic version is also expected to be smaller than the 2.25" square by 1.00" deep prototype.

The Absolute Encoder is well suited for a large number of different applications. Ciholas Technologies can work with you to incorporate this new technology into your product or to provide a more suitable form factor to meet your needs. If you feel you have an application for the Absolute Encoder or would like more detailed information please feel free to download our brochure contact us at Ciholas Technologies.