Position Sensor features on-chip digital encoder.November 24, 2008 -
Offering alternative to miniature optical encoders, TRK-1T02 TRACKER Magnetic Sensor offers 2 µm resolution and can be used as linear encoder or off-axis rotary encoder. Measuring 8.5 x 11.5 x 1.61 mm, unit does not require light source and is insensitive to external light, shock, vibration, and high-particulate environments. On-chip encoder provides direct digital output using standard I2C protocol, eliminating need for external pulse counters.
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Original Press release
New Scale Technologies
121 Victor Heights Pkwy.
Victor, NY, 14534
USA
New Miniature Encoder Boasts Smallest Size, Highest Resolution in a Robust, Cost-Effective Package
TRACKER position sensor is a smaller, more robust alternative to miniature optical encoders for imaging systems, consumer electronics, precision biomedical devices, instrumentation, automation, and automotive applications
Victor, NY - November 11, 2008 - New Scale Technologies (http://www.newscaletech.com) today announced its TRACKER position sensor, a high-resolution magnetic sensor with integrated, on-chip digital encoder. Its small size and 2 µm resolution make this magnetic encoder a robust and cost-effective alternative to miniature optical encoders. It can be used as a linear encoder or off-axis rotary encoder.
The TRK-1T02 TRACKER position sensor measures 8.5 x 11.5 x 1.61 mm. Total height with magnet and air gap is approximately 3 mm - up to 50% thinner than comparable optical encoders with glass scale. Unlike optical encoders, the TRACKER does not require a light source and is insensitive to external light, making it well suited for optical imaging applications such as miniature cameras. It has additional advantages of insensitivity to shock, vibration and high-particulate environments, as well as less stringent mounting alignment requirements.
The on-chip encoder provides direct digital output using standard I2C protocol, eliminating the need for external pulse counters. A microprocessor can query multiple TRACKER position sensors and read position information directly.
With no light source, the TRACKER has lower power draw than optical encoders. Because this incremental encoder features a built-in zero reference, power consumption can be further reduced by saving position information to flash memory and turning off the power to the encoder when the system is not moving; the encoder does not need to be reset when power is restored. Automatic gain control and offset compensation make it less sensitive to external magnetic fields than ordinary magnetic sensors.
In addition to optical and imaging systems, the TRACKER position sensor is recommended for consumer electronics, precision biomedical devices, instrumentation, automation and automotive applications. Its small size makes it ideal for creating tiny, integrated closed-loop motion systems using micro motors such as New Scale's SQUIGGLE motor.
TRK-1T02 TRACKER Position Sensor Specifications
- Resolution 2 µm
- Repeatability 2 µm
- Supply voltage 3 to 3.6 VDC
- Current 21 mA
- Output serial communications using I2C protocol - no pulse counter required
- Dimensions 8.5 x 11.5 x 1.61 mm (Total height ~ 3 mm with magnet and air gap)
- Zero reference built in
For more information visit http://www.newscaletech.com/Tracker_o...
Evaluation Packs, Pricing and Availability
The TRK-1T02-E TRACKER evaluation pack includes a TRK-1T02 position sensor, linear magnetic strip, MC-31MB interface card and software to facilitate evaluation. The USB interface returns direct position information to a PC.
Engineering samples of the TRK-1T02 and TRK-1T02-E will be available for purchase in December 2008, with general availability from stock in January 2009. Contact New Scale for samples and OEM pricing.
About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies (www.newscaletech.com) creates disruptively small motion systems based on our patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE® motor, the world's smallest linear motor, and TRACKER(TM) position sensor. The ultrasonic SQUIGGLE motor is smaller, more precise, less expensive, more robust and more power-efficient than other micro motors. The TRACKER position sensor integrates a magnetic sensor with on-chip digital encoder, for smaller size and higher resolution than miniature optical encoders. We create complete motion systems integrating motor and sensor technology with supporting electronics (ASICs) developed with our partner austriamicrosystems (www.austriamicrosystems.com).
New Scale's micro motors, encoders and micro-actuator modules enable design engineers to create smaller products including mobile phone cameras, electronic locks and intelligent fasteners, nano-scale fluid control including lab-on-a-chip systems, medical devices including miniature drug pumps and endoscopes, optics and imaging systems, automotive modules, lasers, aerospace and defense systems, cryogenic and MRI-compatible instruments, and consumer electronics including micro fuel cells.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark and TRACKER is a trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc.
Lisa R. Schaertl
New Scale Technologies, Inc.
121 Victor Heights Parkway, Victor NY 14564
Phone 585.924.4450 x113
Mobile 585.329.6869
www.newscaletech.com
lschaertl@newscaletech.com
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