MAXON says its new MILE encoder technology means brushless flat DC motors have reduced length, while reducing per unit costs.
In conventional designs of brushless flat motors fitted with encoders, an aluminium cover contains the motors’ external rotor, while acting as a mounting plate for the encoder.
Despite the elegance of the solution, the motor needs to be manufactured with a custom rear shaft, adding to the cost. While the encoder has a very low profile, it also adds to the length of the motor.
With maxon’s MILE encoder design, an inductive encoder uses a high frequency alternating field and a structured copper disc to derive angle dependent information. This eliminates the need for a custom rear shaft, and the added length, while also increasing resolution.
The MILE encoder is very robust against magnetic and electrical fields and also contamination from harsh operating environments. All the electronics are placed inside the motor between the rotor and the stator of the outrunner style brushless flat motors, further enhancing the motors form factor and making it suitable for space critical motor applications in robotics fields. Resolutions are available up to 25,600qc.