These safety solutions are at the heart of TWK's business, and it is within this context that the new, versatile slip ring encoder has been developed. Based on an inductive measurement principle, the device is ideal for mounting on drive shafts with diameters up to 150 mm and for routing cables or placing contact units on slip ring assemblies.
What makes it special is that it has two independent interfaces. On one hand, there is a very fast interface for transmitting position and speed data for motor feedback control via BISS-C, SSI, SIN/COS, etc. On the other hand, there is an additional, functionally secure interface for transmitting secure data to a safety PLC via PROFIsafe, FSoE, or CANopen Safety. The rotor and stator can be used as electronic circuit boards or housed in robust aluminum or stainless steel enclosures with an outer diameter of up to 220 mm. It has a resolution of up to 22 bits and is resistant to magnetic interference fields and harsh environmental conditions, making it ideal for use in drive-by-wire applications.
Another highlight is the new cable pull sensor, which provides safe and cost-effective length measurement. This compact and user-friendly sensor is a tailored solution with an integrated SIL2 safety encoder that transmits cable position and speed via CANopen Safety. Thanks to the encoder's 14-bit resolution (16-bit available upon request), the selectable measuring range of 1.5 to 6 meters is displayed in increments of 0.1 to 0.39 mm or better. This robust sensor is ideal for mobile applications.
The same applies to the highly compact SIL2/PLd encoder kit, which features a CANopen Safety interface. Thanks to its magnetic measurement principle, the magnet is positioned in front of the encoder within the application. This allows the encoder to be integrated even in the most confined spaces for reliable position (16 bits/360°) and speed output.
A key feature is the high-resolution rotary encoder with a continuous hollow shaft. Housed in a robust aluminum or stainless steel casing with a 60 mm diameter, it offers 23-bit resolution and an accuracy of ±145 µrad (±30 arcsec). With its extremely short latency of less than 1 µs, it exhibits very low jitter in the position signal, which can be transmitted via BiSS-C or SSI. It is ideal for use in automation, medical, and robotics applications.
For applications requiring particularly high levels of functional safety, SIL3/PLE certified encoders are available in various designs (solid or hollow shaft) and sizes (58 mm or 90 mm diameter). Alternatively, there is a SIL3 encoder with a CANopen Safety interface from the compact and proven 42 mm family, offering 16-bit resolution. A fully redundant single-turn encoder with a CANopen Safety interface is also available. Its two independent SIL2 systems are integrated into a housing less than 35 mm in diameter and length.
