Upgraded magnetic encoders by POSITAL offer superior performance, energy efficiency

The NEXTGEN IXARC encoders from POSITAL mark a step forward in encoder design with improved performance, reduced energy consumption and state-of-the-art electronic components.

POSITAL-Fraba has introduced a major upgrade to its IXARC line of magnetic encoders, as part of its ambitious NEXTGEN initiative. The manufacturer is releasing a new generation of single and multi-turn absolute encoders with resolution of up to 18 bits for superior performance, plus better energy efficiency and an optimized Wiegand package.

SSI communications interfaces will be included with the first absolute models of these updated encoders; CANopen, fieldbus, industrial Ethernet and other interfaces will be added later.

More advanced TMR technology

One key upgrade: POSITAL has switched from Hall-effect sensors for rotation sensing to more advanced Tunneling Magneto Resistance (TMR) technology. This technology enables more exact measurement of magnetic field changes, lower temperature sensitivity, and reduced energy consumption, resulting in higher resolution and more stable performance over many operating conditions. TMR technology has proved itself in the automotive sector, and POSITAL is one of the first encoder manufacturers to adopt it.

Another innovation is an optimized Wiegand package featuring a newly developed ASIC, designed to support battery-free rotation counting in multiturn models and functioning as a logic controller. Every time the encoder shaft completes a rotation, a Wiegand sensors connected to the ASIC offers a signal pulse, plus enough electrical current to energize the counter circuitry in the ASIC. This self-powered counter system enables accurate recording of every shaft rotation in non-volatile memory, even if rotation occurs when power is unavailable.

These new IXARC encoders have a new generation of Wiegand sensors, produced in a new, fully automated plant. The facility will have a capacity of more than one million items per year, with a new manufacturing system that provides better product quality and more secure supply of the vital Wiegand sensors.

Although these upgraded magnetic encoders use innovative technology, they are mechanically and electrically compatible with older models. These NEXTGEN encoders are designed carefully to give users a smooth transition. Known for its ruggedness and versatility, the IXARC series has become an industry favourite with its compact design, durability, and zero-maintenance, no-battery multiturn functionality, and the improved models will keep this reputation going.

For more information, contact POSITAL.

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