Micronor releases fiber-optic rotary encoder for hazardous locations

NEWBURY PARK, Calif., 10 Jan. 2009.Micronor's unveiled its MR316 ZapFREE fiber-optic rotary encoder is designed for heavy-duty, industrial motor drive applications requiring high-reliability, EMI immunity, ATEX compliance, IP66 ingress protection, and even operation in extreme temperatures.

The sensor is 90mm and features a 12mm shaft and extra heavy-duty bearings and shaft seals. Together with the remote MR310 module, the ZapFREE encoder system combines three functions in one: incremental encoder, multi-turn position sensor, and tachometer. Typical applications include petrochemical plants, oil rigs, steel mills, aerial cable cars, cranes, and hoists.

The MR316's all-optical, passive design outperforms resolvers as well as conventional optical and magnetic encoders. Advantages include: wide operating range (-60°C/+150°C); outdistances copper cable; intrinsically safe and ATEX-compliant; immune to EMI/RFI and ground loops; unaffected by high magnetic fields; and radiation resistant. Mounting options include synchro clamps or panel mount.

The "passive" MR316 optically links to the "active" MR310 ZapFREE Remote Encoder Interface (REI) Module via a single 62.5/125 multimode fiber link -- up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) away.

With its standard DIN-rail mount, the MR310 module is co-located with the PLC or other system interface electronics where power-supply connections and conventional electrical interface connections are easily made.

The module offers a range of standard interfaces: direct quadrature outputs (both push-pull and line driver), separate multiplier/divider quadrature outputs, two fully-programmable analog outputs (4-20mA and +/-10V), and PC-friendly RS232/RS422/RS485 serial interface.

List Price is $1495 for the MR316 Standard Temperature sensor (-40°C/+80°C), $1794 for the MR316 sensor with Extended Temperature option (-60°C/+150°C), and $1995 for MR310 interface module.