Just introduced is the latest encoder innovation in a series of technology breakthroughs from MicroE Systems. It is a tiny encoder system with rotary resolution from 3,300 to 163,000 counts per rev. Aptly named the ChipEncoder™, it measures just 6mm square by 4mm high, yet it contains much of the functionality of its larger brethren. Now for the first time, there is a viable solution that enables closed loop motion control for rotary and linear applications that were previously limited by encoder size, cost or performance.

Being much lower resolution than the company's Mercury™ product line, the ChipEncoder also costs considerably less, $49 list, with additional discounts for OEM quantities. The system provides higher performance than any optical or magnetic encoder in its price class. These factors combine to make the ChipEncoder the ideal motion feedback device for mass-produced products or high-volume industrial applications. To see all the details click here: www.chipencoder.com


A complete encoder system on a chip.
Works in both rotary and linear applications.

The ChipEncoder is the smallest optical kit encoder in the world and one model works in both linear and rotary designs. Consider what it can do for designs where mid-tier performance and miniaturization are the performance objectives.
A complete encoder system, including a 12mm rotary scale, measures a scant 13.2mm in diameter and can deliver up to 33,000 counts per rev. Mike Fitts, vice president, marketing at MicroE Systems stated, " The ChipEncoder enables engineers to design closed-loop motion control into platforms where it would have been physically impossible, too costly or where there was no feedback device with adequate performance."

Designed and Priced for High Volume Applications
The ChipEncoder was designed to meet the needs of engineers working on applications such as office automation products, consumer electronics, open loop designs that may benefit from motion feedback, or retrofit applications involving older packaged rotary, HEDS encoders or low-performance motion sensors… All of these will benefit substantially by utilizing the new ChipEncoder.

A kit encoder for motor applications
For OEMs of fractional hp servomotors, the ChipEncoder is a cost-effective way to improve system performance. In addition, it will not add size to your design. As a kit encoder, this device can easily fit within existing motor housings. Other applications include servo actuators and stepper motors. Use the ChipEncoder to close the motion loop on a stepper and your motion system reliability will improve dramatically.

The ChipEncoder mounted to customer electronics in a miniature
motor application.

The ChipEncoder is based on patented diffractive optical technology and provides rotary resolutions from 3,300 to 160,000 quadrature counts-per-revolution and linear resolutions from 100 to 1,000 counts-per-millimeter. Users can specify the interpolation multiplier at the time of purchase: x4, x8, x20 or x40 are available.

Easy assembly in your production environment was another priority for the design of the ChipEncoder. As a PC-board-mounted encoder, the ChipEncoder is SMT compatible for automated assembly processes and it requires no alignment after assembly.

Additional Important Features
Compared to shaft-coupled devices, the optical ChipEncoder has several important benefits. It exhibits zero wear, zero backlash, and zero hysteresis. In addition, as a replacement for packaged rotary encoders, the ChipEncoder, can save valuable system space to reduce the overall footprint of an engineer's design. With respect to the electrical output, the ChipEncoder provides standard A-quad-B signals, plus its three-channel differential output includes an index or reference mark.

Developer's kit saves money and slashes months from prototype development
MicroE Systems is has made the designers life much easier with the availability of the "Developer's Rapid Prototyping Kit." The kit consists of a PC board mounted Chipencoder with a flex cable termination for direct connection to your electronics. Simply bolt it down, power it up and you're ready to go. Now that's user friendly.

The ChipEncoder Developer's Kit allows fast
prototyping, saving time and money in your new design.

www.chipencoder.com
To get all the details, including data sheets, interface drawings, and users manual, visit the ChipEncoder site today.

If your applications require higher resolution and accuracy, consider the Mercury™ encoder family. Mercury encoders are the smallest high performance encoder and are available in programmable, digital in the sensor, analog and vacuum styles with resolutions from 5 microns to 5 nanometers.
For more details, visit this section of the MicroE Systems web site: Mercury Encoders