POSITAL’s IXARC incremental rotary encoders: Now enhanced with magnetic sensors, energy-efficient micro-controllers

IXARC incremental rotary encoders by POSITAL

One of the most popular and innovative product lines by POSITAL-Fraba is the IXARC family of incremental rotary encoders. Last year, these devices were upgraded as part of the ongoing NeXtGen initiative – with new magnetic sensor technology and more energy-efficient embedded micro-controllers – while remaining mechanically and electrically compatible with older models.

These upgraded encoders benefit POSITAL customers by lowering power consumption. This is a vital consideration for complex applications in which multiple units are connected to a control system.

Possibilities for better resolution

The current line of IXARC incremental rotary encoders uses a TMR (tunnel magneto-resistance) technology instead of the Hall-effect sensors that the previous models had. This technology results in higher magnetic sensitivity, which creates possibilities for better resolution; TMR technology also makes sensors less temperature-sensitive and more energy-efficient than the older versions were.

These TMR sensors are connected to a new generation of micro-controllers that provide a 60 per cent improvement in energy consumption over older components and can support new signal-processing algorithms. In the meantime, POSITAL has introduced TMR technology across its full portfolio of rotary encoders, including absolute industrial encoders and an extensive selection of kit encoders, designed to be directly integrated into motors and drives.

The NeXtGen initiative is part of POSITAL’s continuing efforts to offer state-of-the-art solutions that company with the industry’s most challenging needs. Another goal of NeXtGen is to simplify and rationalize the manufacturer’s supply chain, as the importance of robust supply chains has become highly evident since the COVID-19 pandemic. The POSITAL team designs its NeXtGen solutions to streamline production and reduce dependency on single-source suppliers.

Many milestones have been reached in the NeXtGen journey for more than half a century. POSITAL introduced absolute optical encoders in 1973, developed magnetic encoders with a revolutionary Wiegand-powered rotation counter in 2005, upgraded its magnetic encoders with higher resolution and better dynamic response in 2013, introduced programmable encoders in 2014, and created compact, cost-efficient kit encoders for electrical motors and drives in 2017. And the company is planning many more exciting developments in this initiative in the near future.

POSITAL is a member of the international Fraba group.

For more information, contact POSITAL.

• Tweet