Contact: William Manning
Tel: 508 903 5000
Marketing Comm. Mgr.
www.microesys.com

March 8, 2004, Natick MA, USA

MicroE Systems announces the Mercury™ 1800 (M1800) digital kit encoder. The world's smallest optical encoder to provide 50 nanometer resolution from the sensor, it measures just 8.9mm tall. The M1800 is available in two resolutions: 50 or 100 nanometers, linear, or up to 6.5 million CPR, rotary. All electronics are inside the sensor making the M1800 ideal for high-noise, industrial applications. This encoder's high resolution minimizes cogging for smooth motion control, while its exclusive 1-LSB optical index, which is integrated into the scale, allows unsurpassed system repeatability and ease of setup. With the M1800, a motion system can achieve startup and recovery at full encoder resolution. When sensor size and performance are taken together, engineers can achieve significant space savings, cost reductions and performance improvements by utilizing the M1800 in their designs. In addition, the same sensor operates in both linear and rotary applications, thereby minimizing inventories. Two connector options are available: The model M1800S is fitted with a standard high-density D-sub connector and is completely EMI shielded. The M1800H is equipped with a high-density micro connector for very tight spaces. Digital A-quad-B output is standard and is RS-422 compatible. Wide alignment tolerances enable setup in under 30 seconds with the SmartPrecision™ Alignment Tool. Optional SmartPrecision™ software provides a digital read out in engineering units and Lissajous data plots for other setup and diagnostic functions. A wide variety of glass linear and rotary scales are available from stock. Consult the factory for OEM pricing.

The Mercury 1800 the newest model in the industry-leading Mercury™ encoder family. The Mercury™ product line includes 21 models in programmable, digital, analog, and vacuum compatible styles. The company also manufacturers the ChipEncoder™ digital encoder family. At 6mm square, ChipEncoder™ is the smallest high performance optical encoder in the industry. MicroE Systems is the leader in encoder innovation and is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.