RESOLUTE true-absolute encoder with Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ output debuts at AMB show

RESOLUTE true-absolute linear and rotary encoders with new compatibility for Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ will be showcased at the AMB international metalworking exhibition in Stuttgart, 18th – 22nd September. 

DRIVE-CLiQ is the innovative, powerful communications interface to connect encoders and direct measurement systems with SINUMERIK and SINAMICS drive components, allowing machine builders to achieve higher performance and greater reliability. Conforming to Category 2 in accordance with EN ISO 13849, the interface is suitable for use in safety-related axes such as linear motors and direct drive rotary (DDR) torque motors. 

Visitors to hall 1, stand H72 will be able to see the excellent motion control performance of RESOLUTE with the DRIVE-CLiQ interface. RESOLUTE's unique operating principle is analogous to an ultra-high speed digital camera, capturing images of the scale and enabling resolutions up to 1 nm to be achieved (32 bit on rotary) even at speeds up to 100 m/s. 

RESOLUTE adds ruggedness and reliability with sealed readheads and scales constructed from dependable shatter-proof engineering materials. The non-contact format eliminates bearings, seals, couplings and guideways from the encoder design, thereby also eliminating the most common causes of shock/vibration-induced encoder failure. Even if the main seals on the axis fail, RESOLUTE readheads are sealed against ingress of oil and coolant to minimise downtime and simplify servicing/repair. 

The non-contact format also helps improve system metrology. RESOLUTE rotary encoders read a solid stainless steel scale that is locked to the axis shaft so the encoder does not suffer from the mechanical backlash, wind-up and coupling losses that affect traditional enclosed encoders. The large through-hole allows the encoder to be mounted much closer to the point of interest without complicating the routing of services to payloads, resulting in a system with greater dynamic capability, faster settling times and improved repeatability. 

The functional design of RESOLUTE's operating system meets EN ISO 13849 certification requirements. The detection scheme is inherently dependable, featuring advanced cross-checking and high levels of redundancy. Position is calculated every time the encoder receives a position request, so true absolute position is determined every time. Safety is also enhanced by RESOLUTE's unique built-in position checking algorithms, allowing any error to be flagged to the controller before the axis enters a dangerous condition. As a true-absolute encoder, RESOLUTE determines position immediately at switch-on, so complete control of the axis is achieved without any movement, reference returns or battery back-up. 

The safety aspect of RESOLUTE’s design allows use in a variety of medical, defence and aerospace applications where reliability of position data is of primary and critical importance. 

RESOLUTE also offers a quick and simple installation experience for the machine builder. The scales are designed for easy installation, and the readhead has large set-up tolerances, also featuring a unique set-up LED that provides a very simple and intuitive indication of optimum installation. This LED provides simple diagnostics throughout the life of the encoder without the need for specialised set-up boxes. 
The RESOLUTE range of true-absolute linear and rotary encoders is available with several other serial protocols, allowing connection to a variety of industry-standard drives and controllers.