Incremental encoder offers accurate positioning information from a compact space

Sole UK & Ireland supplier of FAULHABER drive systems, Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS), has expanded its product range with the new IEP3 incremental encoder series from FAULHABER. Characterised by high accuracy in a small installation space, the encoder will benefit a variety of precision applications including medical technology, optics and semiconductor production.

With a diameter of just eight mm, the new three-channel IEP3 incremental encoder offers accurate positioning information from a compact space. Resolutions of up to 10,000 lines per revolution are possible for extremely precise measurement. Furthermore, customer-specific resolutions are freely programmable, enabling a customised solution for any application. Based on a 2-pole sensor magnet design, the IEP3 offers simplistic construction for a robust encoder. 

Chip technology within the IEP3 ensures a high positional accuracy of 0.3 mechanical degrees (°m). To ensure high repeatability of measurements, the chip also features error compensation algorithms. This error compensation ensures that all values reported by the encoder fall within 0.05 °m of the actual position. 

In terms of operational requirements, the IEP3 can be powered with supply voltages of 5V and 3.3V, making it suitable for battery-powered applications. A wide operating temperature range of -40 to +125°C means it can be safely used in a variety of industrial environments.

With three output channels, the IEP3 offers accurate measurement and control of shaft velocity, rotational direction and positioning. And its modular design — already pre-established with the IE3 encoder series — means it can be combined seamlessly with other FAULHABER products, for an extremely compact drive system solution. The IEP3-4096 model, for example, has a length of just 9.1 mm. Combination with the 1024… SR brushless DC motor creates a drive system with a total of length of just 33.3mm.