The absolute angle encoders from HEIDENHAIN with integral bearings and hollow shafts have long been setting the standard for angular measurement in the range of a few angular seconds. Particularly on rotational axes, such as rotary tables and tilting axes on machine tools, they are the best solution for position and speed control. Now the existing RCN 200 and RCN 700/800 series have been completely revised. The angle encoders were improved with new scanning technology, evaluation electronics and changed mechanical design, and are now offered in the RCN 2000 and RCN 8000 series. In addition, a new series RCN 5000 is available with a hollow shaft diameter of 35 mm.
Advantages of the new absolute angle encoders
The new scanning method permits a very high signal quality and at the same time even greater resistance to contamination. Thanks to the new scanning and evaluation electronics, it became possible to dramatically reduce the influence of the rotational speed on the generation of position values. This ensures that, even at high speeds, the scanning signals have high signal quality and continue to interpolate well.
The new design of stator couplings feature even better behavior than the previous series in axial and radial deflection and torsional rigidity. Together with the new sealing design of the encoders, relatively large mounting tolerances are now permissible without restricting operating functions and accuracy.
The cable is connected with the new angle encoders by a quick disconnect, i.e. without need of a tool. The advantages of the plug-in cable become particularly evident when mounting the encoder in tight spaces.
The EnDat interface makes extensive monitoring and diagnosis of an encoder possible without additional lines. Continuous data on the encoder condition (functional reserve) are provided, which ensures high device availability.
The new RCN 5000 series’ stator is compatible in its mounting dimensions with the RCN 2000 series, but it features a low overall height. However, with a hollow shaft diameter of 35 mm it has a cross sectional area three times as large as the RCN 2000, which offers more space for stiffer shafts or hydraulic lines.