2
Theory of Operation
Agilent Technologies utilizes an
ultra collimated LED as the
light source for the AEDL
linear encoders, where very
high modulation can be
achieved. A 22-element
photodiode array in the
scanning head detects the
modulated light. A high
technology signal-conditioning
IC is integrated inside the
scanning head. The IC
performs real time phase,
amplitude and offset signal
monitoring, which will correct
any deviation from the
expected mathematical signal
that is caused by
environmental influence.
Consequently, a high purity
sinusoidal signal is available
for interpolation process,
which is performed in the
same IC. A world-class high
precision measurement system
is thus achieved through
Agilent’s linear encoders.
Output incremental signal can
be specified as either digital
(RS422) or 1 Vpp analog
sinusoidal when ordering.
Signals of Channel A and
Channel B are 90°e phase-
shifted. Index marks are
periodically spaced at a
distance of 50 mm, or distance
coded at 500 x pitch size*.
Fault detection signal is
activated when improper
operation occurs, such as
power cutoff, loss of light
source or heavy contamination.
This signal can be used to
shut down machine operation
safely, when a failure occurs.
Definitions
Resolution: Smallest movement
detectable by the encoder. It is
normally expressed in units of
distance (e.g. 0.5 µm or
100nm).
Accuracy: A measure of how
close the output is to where it
should be. It is usually
expressed in units of distance
over the scale length (e.g. +/-
3µm per meter) or a percent
of nominal resolution.
Interpolation: An electronic
technique for increasing the
resolution from the optical
cycles on the linear scale to a
higher number of quadrature
square waves per unit length.
These square waves can then
be further quadrature decoded.
Quadrature: This term refers
to the 90-electrical-degree (1/4
of a cycle) phase relationship
between the A and B channels
of incremental encoder output.
Quadrature Decode: Also
known as 4X Decode, it refers
to the common practice of
counting all 4 quadrature
states (or square wave
transitions) per cycle of
quadrature square waves.
Thus, a linear encoder with a
cycle width of 40µm, for
example, has a resolution of
10 µm.
Pitch: Also known as grating
or optical period, it refers to
the distance for a single
window-bar pair on the linear
scale.
Measurement Length (ML):
The effective measurement
length that the encoder system
can be used for.
Index Signal: A once-per-scale
output or multiple outputs at
certain fixed locations. It is
used to establish a reference
to a known home or starting
position. Also known as
reference mark, home, or Z.
* Note: 0.05 µm and 0.1 µm are future options,
which are not yet available. The resolutions
stated are after interpolation and users’
quadrature decoding. Distance-coded version
will be available as a future option.