Mclennan -Latest absolute encoders employ highly-robust inductive scanning principle

The recently announced EtherCAT versions of Leine & Linde's 600 and 900 Series absolute encoders are available from its UK representative Mclennan. Both ranges feature the highly-robust inductive scanning principle developed by the Swedish encoder innovator, and are supplied with a very wide choice of mechanical and electrical interfacing options as exceptionally durable industrial encoders that suit demanding position feedback in extreme environments with incredibly high resistance to vibration and shock. The addition of EtherCAT interfacing for these 58 mm and 100 mm diameter encoders brings an extremely stable, reliable and fast communication protocol that is increasingly popular for controlled automation technology applications as broad as packaging machinery to chemical processing and from oil & gas production to wind power. With an adaptable network topology and a flexible number of nodes in the system, EtherCAT is an easy to configure Ethernet system that can be set up for a cycle time of a few tenths of a microsecond which is perfect for precision synchronisation. Furthermore, the encoders include powerful electronics that in addition to the position information can deliver speed and acceleration values with great precision within each data cycle. This allows the PLC or motion controller direct feedback, requiring less processing burden - for faster control systems. The encoder interface also supports CANopen over EtherCAT according to CiA 301 and the device profile range CiA 406. With solid and hollow shaft variants available across both ranges the 600 series encoder offers a multi-turn position resolution to 31 bits whilst the heavy duty 900 series offers up to 35 bits. Both ranges offer a wide choice of alternative interfaces such as Profibus, DeviceNet, SSI and EnDat 2,2.