First, what type of encoder does your application use?
- Absolute encoders (also called position sensors) are used where monitoring absolute position and high precision are required. Their signature output is a digital value of absolute position. Even if an absolute encoder loses power, the system will always report it current true position upon start-up.
- Incremental encoders are used where speed and relative position need to be monitored, and typically offer lesser resolution than an absolute encoder system. Their signature outputs are A/B quadrature pulses. The user’s motion control system tracks these pulses (phasing determines direction) to monitor relative position from initial Home setting. The same system measures the time between pulses to track speed. If the system loses power, all position and speed information is typically lost.
MR361-1 Series FO Extender System for Incremental Encoders
FO Extender System for non-FO Incremental Encoders
MR361-1 series Fiber Optic Incremental Encoder Extender allows conventional electronics-based incremental encoders of all manufacturers (electronics based, optical or magnetic, such as Micronor ESI/ENI series) to reach longer distances by converting the encoder’s A/B/Z quadrature signals to optical signals which can then be transmitted interference-free up to 2000 meters to the remote motor drive or other motion control system. The passive nature and inherent safety of fiber optics provides a safe means of routing sensitive encoder signals through noisy electrical areas or hazardous locations. The MR361-1 system operates with complete transparency to the motion control or motor drive system.
The system consists of a fiber optic transmitter (XMTR) and fiber optic receiver (RCVR) module. The XMTR module multiplexes the quadrature output signals of the user’s encoder into a light signal. A simplex multimode fiber optic link transports the optical signal to the RCVR module which then demultiplexes the optical signal back into the individual electrical quadrature signals for connection to the encoder input of the User’s drive or motion system.
MR361-2 Series FO Extender System for SSI Absolute Encoders/Position Sensors
FO Extender System for non-FO SSI Absolute Encoders
MR361-2 series Fiber Optic Absolute Encoder Extender allows conventional electronics-based absolute encoders of all manufacturers (electronics based, optical or magnetic, such as Micronor ESA/ESAM/ENA/ENAM series to reach longer distances by converting the encoder’s SSI position protocol to optical signals which can then be transmitted interference-free up to 2000 meters to the remote motor drive or other motion control system. The passive nature and inherent safety of fiber optics provides a safe means of routing sensitive encoder signals through noisy electrical areas or hazardous locations. The MR361-2 system operates with complete transparency to the motion control or motor drive system with an SSI interface.
