Encoders automate container lifting

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 28, 2008

Three TMA50 absolute encoders with stainless steel housings have been used to automate a container lifting facility on the Maria S Merian research ship.

Encoder Technology's T series single-turn absolute encoders have had a dual-chamber design for a number of years, and are now available in a wide range of mechanical and electrical variants.

These are therefore suitable for many diverse mechanical and systems engineering applications.

Three TMA50 absolute encoders with stainless steel housings have been used to automate a container lifting facility on the Maria S Merian research ship and as position sensors on the wickets of hydroelectric power plants.

The electromagnetic sensor system, in which an ASIC with Hall elements is activated via the rotational movement of a small, permanent magnet, is common to all versions.

Following interpolation, the sine-cosine voltage, which is proportionate to the angle, is converted into digital signals.

Absolute values in SSI form or as CANopen or Profibus interfaces are available at the output.

Depending on the design size, the resolution is 12 or 13 bits per 360 degrees.

The incremental version supplies a maximum of 2048 counts per revolution.

Analogue outputs are available in the form of voltage or current signals, from 0 to 10V or 0 (4) to 20mA.