POSITAL magnetic encoders help to boost performance in stepper motors

Many kinds of encoders are available.

A leading global provider of industrial motion-control solutions, POSITAL-Fraba offers a wide variety of kit encoders, including magnetic encoders. Now, the manufacturer has released a new generation of kit encoders, or modular position sensors, that boost stepper-motor performance while offering precision motion control on a budget. With these magnetic kit devices, rugged and inexpensive stepper motors have been turning into a more attractive alternative to high-end servomotors in many circumstances.

Reliable and accurate position feedback

Users can add these rotation sensors to simple stepper motors very easily, in order to get reliable and accurate closed-loop position feedback. POSITAL magnetic kit encoders support this trend in the way that they improve on more limited incremental encoders with absolute position measurement and battery-free multi-turn capabilities.

By offering absolute position feedback and measuring rotation to heighten the performance of stepper motors, magnetic encoders by POSITAL inform control systems of the actual rotary position of each motor’s shaft. With these kit encoders, complete position measurements are available whenever a control system queries the encoders. The user can restart the production process directly with minimal time or material loss, with no need to return machinery to a known starting position or to re-initiate step counts.

These magnetic units also come with multi-turn measurement ranges, which is very useful when a motor is connected to a screw shaft, cable drum, or gear-reduction system. POSITAL’s Wiegand energy-harvesting technology powers the multi-turn rotation counter, and the rotation count is always up to date, even if the user moves the machine during a power outage. No batteries required.

As modular devices, POSITAL multi-turn kit encoders are built for integration into a motor housing, measuring the rotary position from the drive shaft directly. They are available with the same mounting form factor as incremental encoders for NEMA-standard stepper motors have, which makes substitution simple.

As brushless DC motors that turn their shafts by steps (or small fixed amounts) in response to control signals, stepper motors are vulnerable to unexpected mechanical resistance or other issues that may degrade system accuracy. POSITAL offers the right solution.

For more information, contact POSITAL.

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