During the past year Leine & Linde has developed a new series of absolute encoders – the inductive 600 series. Absolute encoders are mainly used to position singleturn or multiturn movements. The biggest news with this new product series is that it is based on inductive scanning.
"Historically, we've only produced encoders based on optical scanning, so this has been a very enriching and exciting experience for us," says Peter Kjellqvist, who heads development at Leine & Linde.
The inductive scanning method used entails that internal signal generation is insensitive to impact and soiling, for example. Moreover, the new encoder is equipped with robust ball bearings, which provide long encoder service life.
"The selection of ball bearings is the most important factor when it comes to service life for rotating encoders, because it's the ball bearings that wear out first," says Peter Kjellqvist.
New design
The inductive 600 series is available in both solid and hollow shaft versions and with certain electrical interfaces.
"The many different mechanical variants have been developed to meet our customers' demands for mechanical installation," says Tobias Lindh, product manager at Leine & Linde.
All models in the new series are built with covers of anodised aluminium to stand up against external affects in the tough environments the encoders are subjected to on a daily basis. The inductive encoders designated ISA 608 and IHA 608 have also received a facelift in the form of an entirely new design. The inductive 600 series is the first product series in which the company's new design guidelines have been implemented.
Flexibility and performance
The inductive 600 series is extremely flexible when it comes to mechanical configuration.
"We can deliver the encoder with cable outputs or a number of different connector types," says Tobias Lindh.
When it comes to electrical interfaces, the inductive 600 series offers several alternatives. Everything from serial interfaces such as EnDat and SSI to the most common fieldbus interfaces on the market.
"The inductive 600 series can be advantageously used in tough applications where an absolute encoder is required and where robustness and service life are essential," says Tobias Lindh.
