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VIONiC™ incremental encoder system with RTLC20 linear scale

Features

  • Digital output direct from the readhead
  • Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
  • Resolutions up to 2.5 nm*
  • Speed up to 12 m/s
  • Ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE): typically < ±15 nm*
  • Optical IN‑TRAC™ reference mark
  • Dual limits

Benefits

  • No separate interface required
  • Advanced Diagnostic Tool for easy fault finding, challenging installations and servicing
  • Tape scale convenience and unrivalled ruggedness
  • Carrier-type scale system for quick, easy installation and replacement of scale
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What is VIONiC?

The VIONiC encoder series integrates Renishaw's market-proven filtering optics and signal processing for superior metrology performance.

VIONiC encoders feature intelligent interpolation technology to give a digital output direct from the readhead. This provides ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) and excellent dirt immunity, without the need for additional adaptors or separate interfaces. It also benefits from a compact footprint, without compromising on performance.

VIONiC readheads are compatible with a wide range of linear, partial arc and rotary scales.

Additionally, VIONiC encoders are designed with intuitive auto calibration mode and are easy to install. An optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 is available for real‑time encoder data feedback during installation or for in-field diagnostics.

What is RTLC20 scale?

RTLC20 is a low profile stainless steel tape scale featuring a 20 µm pitch and IN-TRAC customer selectable reference mark. It is accurate to ±5 µm/m and in lengths up to 10 metres (> 10 metres on request). Two mounting options are available, both allow independent thermal expansion and tape scale convenience.
RTLC20 can be used with the revolutionary FASTRACK™ scale carrier system. This system allows a track to be laid quickly and easily with no need for fixing holes. A sacrificial spacer is removed and the tape scale is then fed into the track.
RTLC20-S is laid onto the substrate with self-adhesive backing tape. The self-adhesive is formulated in such a way that it allows for independent scale expansion to that of the substrate.
To complete the installation, both types of scale are clamped at one point to provide a datum position.

Why choose this encoder system?

Renishaw's highest performing incremental optical encoder

The VIONiC encoder series combines high-speed operation with fine resolution. The VIONiC readhead features an intelligent interpolation chip to give resolution as fine as 2.5 nm, offering high precision and repeatability in any application. The VIONiC encoder is available with a maximum clock rate of 50 MHz and operates at speeds up to 12 m/s. Speeds of up to 3.63 m/s are possible at a resolution of 0.1 μm, ideal for maximising throughput in the most demanding manufacturing processes.

Easy fault finding and servicing

The Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 together with the ADT View software is available to provide comprehensive real-time encoder data feedback for more challenging installations and in-field diagnostics. This is especially helpful in applications when the encoder is hidden within a machine, enabling live diagnostics with minimal machine downtime. The intuitive software interface can be used for:

  • Remote calibration
  • Signal optimisation over the entire axis length
  • Readhead pitch indication
  • Limit and reference mark indication
  • Digital readout of encoder position (relative to the scale)
  • Monitoring the velocity against time graph
  • Exporting and saving data

Easily removable scale

The RTLC20 scale with FASTRACK carrier system is ideal for applications that need the machine to be broken down for transportation or require the scale to be installed/removed for transit. The scale can be pulled out of the guide rails and quickly replaced, even when access is limited, thus reducing machine downtime.

Optional Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100

Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100

The VIONiC encoder system is compatible with the Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTi-100 and ADT View software. They provide comprehensive real-time encoder data feedback to aid more challenging installations and diagnostics. The intuitive software interface can be used for:

  • Remote calibration
  • Signal optimisation over the entire axis length
  • Readhead pitch indication
  • Limit and reference mark indication
  • Digital readout of encoder position (relative to the scale)
  • Monitoring the velocity against time graph
  • Exporting and saving data

Technical specifications

Measuring standard

FASTRACK RTLC20: stainless steel tape scale with track mounting system

RTLC20-S: stainless steel tape scale with adhesive backing, for mounting directly to a substrate without FASTRACK guide rails

Readhead size (LxWxH)

35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm

Scale pitch

20 μm

Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C

10.1 ±0.2 μm/m/°C

Accuracy grade at 20 °C

±5 μm/m

Reference mark

IN-TRAC reference marks directly embedded into RTLC20 / RTLC20-S

Selector magnet(s) used to identify one or more reference marks

Limit switches

Dual limits

Scale length

FASTRACK: 100 mm to 25 000 mm

RTLC20/RTLC20-S: 20 mm to 10 000 mm

(> 10 000 mm on request)

Maximum speed

Up to 12 m/s

(See data sheet for details)

Sub-Divisional Error (SDE)

Typically < ±15 nm*

Dynamic signal control

Real time signal conditioning including Auto Gain Control (AGC), Auto Balance Control (ABC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) for optimised performance across a range of operating conditions

Incremental signals


5 μm to 2.5 nm resolution

(See data sheet for details)

Electrical connection

0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 3 m, 5 m and 10 m cable lengths with D-type connectors (9 and 15 pin)
0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m and 3 m cable lengths with circular in-line connector (12 pin) or 14-way JST connector

Power supply

5 V -5%/+10%
Cable lengths ≤ 3 m, typically 200 mA fully terminated
Cable lengths > 3 m, typically 250 mA fully terminated

Vibration (operating)

100 m/s2 max at 55 Hz to 2 000 Hz

Shock (non-operating)

500 m/s2, 11 ms, ½ sine, 3 axes

Operating temperature

0 °C to +70 °C

Sealing

IP40

* < ±10 nm SDE can be achieved with optimised set-up. Please contact your local Renishaw representative for more details.

Refer to data sheets for full details.