Technology ME Series
The ME (Motor Encoder) form of Zettlex technology is a high resolution, high speed measurement technique.
As with other forms of Zettlex technology, a Target's position is measured relative to an Antenna. The most common application for ME technology is motor control in harsh environments – usually as a more robust or less expensive alternative to traditional optical or magnetic encoders. ME encoders are generally unaffected by dust, grease or fluid ingress. Typically, a PCB Target is attached to the rotor and a PCB Antenna to the stator. The corresponding Electronics Module is attached to the back of the Antenna.
Measurement performance depends on the available size and space available but, for example, a 23mm ME rotary encoder offers 17 bit resolution and a maximum speed of 100,000rpm. A 50mm unit offers up to 24 bit resolution with a maximum speed of 100,000 rpm. Such performance means that the units can be used for sped control or winding commutation at high speed and precise position control at lower speed. ME encoders are ideally suited to DC brushless motor applications.
Rotary ME encoders are the most common form although linear and curvi-linear devices can also be engineered.
ME encoders can fit close to a motor's windings without EMC problems. Operating temperature range is chiefly determined by the choice of electronics – whether industrial grade at -40 to 85 Celsius or up to 125 Celsius for automotive grade.
Low inertia Targets can be provided with moments of inertia comparable or lower than optical encoder disks.
A more detailed description is provided in the PDF document ME Technology Description
