Extremely miniaturized, optical rotary encoder for dimensionally accurate positioning (X-MIND)

Our design for an absolute rotary encoder offers maximum miniaturization: the achievable resolution lies in the range of 10 bits with a housing diameter of around 6 mm. To achieve this, a specific Opto-ASIC technology is under development in conjunction with IMS-CHIPS. Naturally the rotary encoder can also deliver an incremental output signal.

For dimensionally accurate positioning functions in production processes, rotary encoders are deployed to read the rotation of a shaft electronically. Incrementally coded sensors are widespread. These are not adequate for many applications however because they need to be referenced at the start of the measurement.

Our concept for an absolute rotary encoder offers maximum miniaturization: the achievable resolution lies in the range of 10 bits with a housing diameter of around 6 mm. To achieve this, a specific Opto-ASIC technology is currently under development in conjunction with IMS-CHIPS. Naturally the rotary encoder can also deliver an incremental output signal. The concept also offers the advantage of extremely simple installation technology. This means, for example, that the rotary encoder is absolutely insensitive to the eccentricity of the sensor shaft. This, and the design construction that uses a very small number of cost-effective optical components, offers the potential for a low-cost rotary sensor which can be used to achieve completely new applications, e.g. in medical technology or even in the consumer field.