Optical Reflective Encoders
Optical Read Heads and Precision Scales
Achieve world class encoder performance with Seiko NPC SMD series combined with VC America's precision scales.
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- High resolution 20 µm track period
- Excellent Lissajous curve lower cyclical errors and improve interpolation accuracy
- low distortion, low noise AB outputs
- Small footprint and 1.0 package height fit within existing hardware
- Metrology Devices
- Robotics
- Factory Automation
- Motors and Actuators
- Medical Equipment
Incremental | Absolute | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() 3-Channel | ![]() 2-Channel | ![]() | |
Period Width (µm) | 20 | 20 | 100 |
Output | ✅ Analog A-B and Digital Z (index) | Analog A-B | Analog A-B Serial |
A-B Output Gain | 1, 1.8X, AGC, Off | 1, 1.8X, 2.6X, Off | N/A - External |
Z Digital Output (Index) | Yes | No | No |
Package | LCOB | LCOB | See Datasheet |
Dimensions L W H (mm) | ✅5.3 x 4.3 x 1.0 | 5.3 x 4.3 x 1.68 | 7.7 x 6.4 x 1.0 |
Gap (mm) | 0.50 | 0.30 | ~2.13 |
Package+Gap Height (mm) | ✅1.50 | 1.98 | 3.13 |
Operating Voltage | 4.5V - 5.25V | 3.13V - 5.25V | 2.7 to 3.3V |
Datasheets | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Encoding | Imperial | Metric | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
LPI (lines per inch) | Resolution | LPM (lines per mm) | Resolution | |
×1 | 1270 LPI | 0.787 mils | 50 LPM | 20µm |
Quadrature A-B ×4 | 5080 LPI | 0.197 mils | 200 LPM | 5µm |
With external ADC 12-bit Interpolation | 20,807,680 LPI | 0.0000481 mils | 819,200 LPM | 0.0012207µm |
- Tolerance to YAW, Pitch and ROLL errors
- Better production yields
- Good tolerance to small particles and fingerprints
- Excellent long-term reliability
- Lower service and maintenance cost
Series | Description | VC America Recommendations | Status | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 20µ period 3-Channel Optical Reflective Incremental Encoder with two Analog A/B outputs and Z (index) digital output | ✅ for incremental encoder index and non-index applications | New Product | ![]() |
![]() | 20µ period 2-Channel Optical Reflective Incremental Encoder with A/B Analog outputs | ✅ for incremental encoder non-index applications | Active | ![]() |
![]() | 100µ period Optical Reflective Absolute Encoder with up to 51.2mm track length (29) plus analog output for high resolution using interpolation | ✅ Linear absolute encoder up to 51.2mm in length | Active | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() | Precision Linear scales | ✅ Linear Scales up to 700mm in length | Active | ![]() |
![]() | Precision Glass Rotary scales (Codewheels) | ✅ Rotary series up to 700mm in diameter | Active | ![]() |