Agilent reports its absolute encoder is smallest for automation

Palo Alto, CA— Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced what it reports is industry’s smallest high-speed, ‘plug-and-play’ absolute encoder that reduces assembly time by half and cuts costs for industrial automation systems by as much as 40%. Agilent’s new AEAS-7000 device uses a module approach that reduces the number of assembly steps to four, compared to other approaches that require as many as eight steps.

The new encoder also reduces the number of components needed from approximately 80 to as few as four, which decreases required inventory, manufacturing, and purchasing costs. In addition, it eliminates the need for multiple alignment adjustments with its industry-first plug-and-play feature. Absolute encoders are used in machines that need information about the position of components before any motion occurs.

AEAS-7000 is capable of resolutions ranging from 12 bits to 16 bits. It complements Agilent’s 8-bit and 10-bit resolution absolute encoders, introduced in 2002. AEAS-7000 is targeted at industrial automation applications, including servo motors, robotics, machine tools, and wafer handlers. It is based on technology that Agilent acquired from Optolab Microsystems AG earlier this year.

‘AEAS-7000 offers clear differentiation from other absolute encoders,’ says Chong Khin Mien, Agilent’s motion control products division VP. ‘Our plug-and-play feature can help manufacturers save engineering resources, and get to market faster.’

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com

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