Absolute encoders

The SICK AHS36/AHM36 features a 270o rotatable electrical connection for either M12 connector or cable termination, making cable positioning and installation easy, even in tight spaces. Simple replacement of existing encoders is ensured by a choice of hollow or solid shaft models in a large number of diameters, combined with face and servo mount flanges.

Both SSI and CANopen designs are available as fully-programmable variants, allowing the user to program both the resolution and the code that the encoder produces as its output.

The number of turns can also be programmed to a non-integer value, thus removing the risk of accumulation errors and reducing processing load on the PLC.  This is particularly relevant for rotary axis applications, e.g. turntable positioning.

The CANopen-compatible models offer a choice of device profiles, CIA406 (V32/33) and application specific profiles on request. In addition to providing position information, CANopen variants also provide speed information.  This is teamed with advanced diagnostics which enable remote monitoring of parameters, such as operating temperature, maximum speed, length of on-time and length of motion-time to facilitate maintenance scheduling of the machinery. 

The all-magnetic operation of the AHS36/AHM36 minimises vibration problems that affect optical-based encoders. The temperature range is -40 to +85˚ (CANopen) and +100˚C (SSI), ensuring wide-ranging interior and exterior applications no matter what the environment. Despite its compact dimensions, the AHS/AHM36 uses a geared pick up technology for long term reliability, eliminating the need to rely on a battery-buffered memory to store turn information.

The SICK AHS36/AHM36 encoders are suitable for a wide range of applications where monitoring shaft rotation is essential for maintenance or automation control purposes. SICK expects they will quickly find applications for logistics and goods handling duties where their consistency and reliability under difficult and low temperature conditions ensure long life.