MicroE Introduces Mercury Series Encoders.
The first Smart Programmable Encoders

Miniature High Performance Sensor Opens New Design Opportunities

Natick, MA October 1, 2001
MicroE Systems today announced the introduction of the world’s first programmable encoder family that enables engineers to dynamically match encoder performance to any customer application. The value of this according to Michael Fitts, VP Marketing, " Engineers can tune the encoder to the application on the fly. You no longer have to live with sub-optimal performance in a motion platform due to fixed interpolation. Furthermore, Mercury encoders deliver 8m/sec speed at the highest resolution, making them suitable for the most demanding applications."

The new Mercury Series features programmable interpolation in integer steps for linear resolutions to 20 nanometers and rotary to 16.8 M CPR. In addition, users can program bandwidth and 2 alarm levels. These "smart" features are made possible thanks to MicroE’s advanced SmartPrecision electronics, a high speed computer built into the encoder connector.

In addition to programmability, Mercury encoders feature the shortest Z height in the industry. The M3100 and M2100 programmable encoders have a Z height of just 8.4mm, and weigh 1.6g, along with the M1000 (non-programmable with analog output) and M1500 (non-programmable with digital output).  The smallest Mercury encoder, the M1200, is just 5.6mm tall and weighs 1.2 g.

In addition to programmable set up, Mercury encoders are the easiest to align. Mercury’s advanced optical design and SmartPrecision electronics allow assemblers to align the sensor and establish a bidirectional index in under 5 minutes using LED indicators built into the encoder connector body.

Mercury encoders are available in EMI shielded front-mount styles and unshielded flush-mount styles for direct mounting within a shielded module on a PC board.

A variety of standard cable lengths are available as well as a selection of glass linear and rotary scales. Contact MicroE sales for pricing and delivery.