HEIDENHAIN offers Revolutionary EnDat 2.2 - A Digital Bidirectional Interface for Encoders

 

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SCHAUMBURG, IL - (January 2005) HEIDENHAIN Corporation now offers an improved serial interface for quick-response drives, EnDat 2.2. EnDat (Encoder Data) 2.2 is a digital bidirectional interface for encoders that is capable of outputting absolute position values, as well as requesting or updating information stored in an encoder. This revolutionary interface offers cost optimization and improved manufacturing quality for motor manufacturers and builders of automated systems, from semiconductor to machine tools.

The EnDat 2.2 interface now offers purely digital transmission to the higher-level electronics over only four lines. The analog signal can no longer be disturbed by interference on the way to the subsequent electronics because it is already interpolated in the encoder. This improves drive characteristics with regard to positioning accuracy, repeatability, speed stability and dynamic response.

Automatic measurement of the propagation time during switch-on permits clock frequencies of 8 MHz over cable lengths up to 100 meters (329 ft). Position value formation in the encoder enables shorter sampling cycles without influencing the computing time of the motion control.

Since the encoder takes over the interpolation, the subsequent electronics can be simpler and therefore smaller. Due to improved encoder electronics, there is no longer a need for a remote sensing power supply. The reduction in the number of data lines results in smaller connectors and simplifies cabling, and both of these effects decrease the required installation space. The improvements provide an opportunity for significant savings in warehousing, because the same interface serves for incremental and absolute encoders.

More information about EnDat 2.2 is available. If interested, call HEIDENHAIN at 847 490-1191 or write to us at HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION, 333 E. State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL 60173. HEIDENHAIN can also be accessed directly via our web site at www.heidenhain.com.

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION is the North American subsidiary of DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH, a leading international manufacturer of precision measurement and control equipment. Our product line includes linear scales, rotary and angular encoders, digital readouts, digital length gages, CNC controls and machine inspection equipment.