Netzer VLX Product Line Hollow Shaft Kit Encoder
Specifications
- Product Name: Hollow Shaft Kit Encoder – VLX Product Line
- Encoder Type: Absolute Rotary Encoder Kit Encoder
- Shaft Type: Hollo
VLX Series Encoders
- Netzer Precision Poison Sensors has long been a trailblazer in the field of precision encoders, redefining the standards of motion control technology with unparalleled innovation and engineering expertise. Among its groundbreaking product families, the VLX series stands out as a true embodiment of technological advancement, reliability, and versatility. Designed with cutting-edge capacitive technology and a holistic approach to position sensing, the VLX encoders deliver exceptional precision, durability, and adaptability across a wide spectrum of applications, making them the preferred choice for industries demanding high performance and uncompromising accuracy.
- Unlike conventional single or dual read-head systems, the VLX family employs a revolutionary holistic design, capturing position data across the entire surface of the encoder. This approach provides unmatched accuracy and resolution by eliminating localized errors and ensuring a more stable and reliable signal. Engineered to excel in the most challenging environments, these encoders demonstrate exceptional resilience against temperature extremes, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The lightweight, compact, and contactless design not only enhances durability and reduces maintenance but also positions the VLX family as the optimal choice for demanding applications in aerospace, robotics, defense, and medical devices.
- Netzer’s holistic design philosophy sets the VLX series apart as more than just a product line – it’s a transformative innovation that redefines motion control. By delivering seamless integration capabilities and a superior approach to position sensing, the VLX encoders empower engineers to tackle complex challenges with unprecedented ease and precision. The VLX family encapsulates Netzer’s commitment to excellence, offering a complete solution for industries that demand not only technical superiority but also long-term reliability and value.
Unique Values
Ordering Code
Technical Specifications
Electrical
| Supply voltage | Current consumption | Communication | Clock frequency | Material (stator / rotor) |
| 5V ±5% | ~110 mA | SSi, BiSS-C | 0.1- 5.0 MHz | PCB (FR4) |
Environment
| EMC | Operating temp. | Storage temp. | Relative humidity | Built In Test BIT |
| IEC 6100-6-2, IEC 6100-6-4 | -40° C to +85° C | -40° C to +85° C | 98% Non condensing | Optional |
| Protection | Vibration | Shock | ||
| IP 40 | 20g @ 10 to 2000 Hz sweep per IEC 60068-2-6 | 100g 6msec saw-tooth per IEC 60068-2-27:2009 | ||
VLX-25
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 25 / 2.2 * | 6.3 | 3.6 | 17-21 bit | ±0.025° | 37 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 2.6 mdeg / 9.4 Arcsec | 6,000 rpm | 35 kHz | |||
Optional Shaft End
VLX-35
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 35 / 11* | 6 | 7 | 17-19 bit | ±0.035° | 170 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 2.7 mdeg / 9.9 Arcsec | 4,000 rpm | 35 kHz (Optional – 375 kHz) | |||
* Optional Shaft End
VLX-60
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 60 / 25 | 8 | 15 | 17-22 bit | ±0.015° /
±0.010° |
2,100 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 1.4 mdeg / 4.9 Arcsec | 4,000 rpm | 35 kHz (Optional – 375 kHz) | |||
VLX-80
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 80 / 35 | 9.6 | 33 | 17-23 bit | ±0.010° /
±0.006° |
9,600 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 0.7 mdeg / 2.5 Arcsec | 2,000 rpm | 35 kHz (Optional – 375 kHz) | |||
VLX-100
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 100 / 48 | 9 | 40 | 17-22 bit | ±0.010° /
±0.006° |
17,900 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 0.7 mdeg / 2.5 Arcsec | 4,000 rpm | 35 kHz (Optional – 375 kHz) | |||
VLX-140
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 140 / 90 | 10 | 72 | 17-23 bit | ±0.010° /
±0.006° |
88,500 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 0.7 mdeg / 2.5 Arcsec | 2,000 rpm | 35 kHz (Optional – 375 kHz) | |||
VLX-170
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 170 / 110 | 10 | 106 | 17-23 bit | ±0.010° /
±0.006° |
205,000 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 0.7 mdeg / 2.5 Arcsec | 2,000 rpm | 35 kHz (Optional – 375 kHz) | |||
VLX-247
| OD / ID mm | Height mm | Weight gr. | Resolution | Accuracy | Rotor inertia |
| 247 / 171 | 10.7 | 220 | 17-22 bit | ±0.010° /
±0.006° |
876,000 gr · mm² |
| Repeatability | Max. Operational speed | Position update rate | |||
| 1.4 mdeg / 4.9 Arcsec | 4,000 rpm | 35 kHz (Optional – 375 kHz) | |||
NOTE: Technical data might change from time to time, please refer to website. Specific data concerning mounting and tolerances can be found on website in the technical drawings.
Installation Flow Chart
Storage and Handling
- Storage temperature: -40°C to +85 °C
- Humidity: up to 98% non-condensing
ESD Protection
As usual for electronic circuits, during product handling do not touch electronic circuits, wires, connectors or sensors without suitable ESD protection. The integrator / operator shall use ESD equipment to avoid the risk of circuit damage.
ATTENTION! OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES
Electric Encoder Software Installation
The Electric Encoder Explorer (EEE) software:
- Verifies correct mounting for an adequate signal amplitude
- Calibration of offsets
- General set up and signal analysis
This section describes the steps associated with installing the EEE software application.
Minimum requirements
- Operating system: MS windows 7/ 10, (32 / 64 bit)
- Memory: 4MB minimum
- Communication ports: USB 2
- Windows .NET Framework, V4 minimum
Installing the software
- Run the Electric Encoder™ Explorer file found on Netzer website: Encoder Explorer Software Tools.
- After the installation you will see Electric Encoder Explorer software icon on the computer desktop.
- Double click on the Electric Encoder Explorer software icon to start.
Electrical Connection
This chapter reviews the steps required to electrically connect the encoder with digital interface (SSi or BiSS-C).
Connecting the encoder
The encoder has two operational modes:
Absolute position over SSi or BiSS-C
This is the power-up default mode
SSi / BiSS output signal parameters
| Output code | Binary |
| Serial output | Differential RS-422 |
| Clock | Differential RS-422 |
| Clock frequency | 0.1÷ 5.0 MHz |
| Position update rate | 35 kHz (Optional – up to 375 kHz) |
Connector Pinout
| Pin No. | SSi / BiSS | Remarks |
| 3 | +5V | P.S. |
| 4 | GND | GND / RTN |
| 5 | Data + | Data / NCP TX |
| 6 | Data – | |
| 7 | Clock – | Clock / NCP RX |
| 8 | Clock + |
Accessory cable (optional) SSi / BiSS interface wires color code
| Clock + | Grey | Clock |
| Clock – | Blue | |
| Data – | Yellow | Data |
| Data + | Green | |
| GND | Black | Ground |
| +5V | Red | Power supply |
Digital SSi Interface
Synchronous Serial Interface (SSi) is a point to point serial interface standard between a master (e.g. controller) and a slave (e.g. sensor) for digital data transmission.
Built In Test option (BIT)
- The BIT indicates critical abnormality in the encoder internal signals.
- ‘0’ – the internal signals are within the normal limits, ‘1’ – Error
- The Part Number of the encoder indicates whether the encoder includes BIT. If no BIT is indicated in the PN, there is no additional error bit.
| Description | Recommendations | |
| n | Position resolution | 12-20 |
| T | Clock period | |
| f= 1/T | Clock frequency | 0.1-5.0 MHz |
| Tu | Bit update time | 90 nsec |
| Tp | Pause time | 26 – ∞ μsec |
| Tm | Mono flop time | 25 μsec |
| Tr | Time between 2 adjacent requests | Tr > n*T+26 μsec |
| fr=1/Tr | Data request frequency |
Digital BiSS-C Interface
BiSS – C Interface is unidirectional serial synchronous protocol for digital data transmission where the Encoder acts as “slave” transmits data according to “Master” clock. The BiSS protocol is designed in B mode and C mode (continuous mode). The BiSS-C interface as the SSi is based on RS-422 standards.
Built In Test option (BIT)
- The BIT indicates critical abnormality in the encoder internal signals.
- ‘1’ – the internal signals are within the normal limits, ‘0’ – Error
- The Part Number of the encoder indicates whether the encoder includes BIT. If no BIT is indicated in the PN, the error bit is always 1.
| Bit allocation per encoder-resolution | Description Default | Length | |||||
| 17bit | 18bit | 19bit | 20bit | ||||
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | Ack | Period during which the encoder calculates the absolute position, one clock cycle | 0 | 1/clock |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | Start | Encoder signal for “start” data transmit | 1 | 1 bit |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | “0” | “Start” bit follower | 0 | 1 bit |
| 8…24 | 8…25 | 8…26 | 8…27 | AP | Absolute Position encoder data | Per resolution | |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | Error | BIT (Built In Test option) | 1 | 1 bit |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Warn. | Warning (non active) | 1 | 1 bit |
| 0…5 | 0…5 | 0…5 | 0…5 | CRC |
|
6 bits | |
| Timeout | Elapse between the sequential “start” request cycle’s | 25 μs | |||||
Setup mode over NCP (Netzer Communication Protocol)
- This service mode provides access via USB to a PC running Netzer Encoder Explorer application (on MS Windows 7/10). Communication is via Netzer Communication Protocol (NCP) over RS-422 using the same set of wires.
- Use the following pin assignment to connect the encoder to a 9-pin D-type connector to the RS-422/USB converter CNV-0003 or the NanoMIC.
Electric encoder interface, D Type 9 pin Female
| Description | Color | Function | Pin No |
| SSi Clock / NCP RX | Gray | Clock / RX + | 2 |
| Blue | Clock / RX – | 1 | |
| SSi Data / NCP TX | Yellow | Data / TX – | 4 |
| Green | Data / TX + | 3 | |
| Ground | Black | GND | 5 |
| Power supply | Red | +5V | 8 |
Connect Netzer encoder to the converter, connect the converter to the computer and run the Electric Encoder Explorer Software Tool.
Electrical connection and grounding
Observe the following grounding consideration:
- The cable shield is not grounded by default. (Optional accessories items)
- Make sure the chassis is grounded.
- It’s highly recommended to keep the motor PWM wires electrically shielded and/or kept away from the encoder.
Note: 4.75 to 5.25 VDC power supply required
Signal Verification
Starting the Encoder Explorer
Make sure to complete the following tasks successfully:
- Mechanical Mounting
- Electrical Connection to the encoder
- Encoder Explore Software Installation
Run the Encoder Explorer tool (EE)
- Ensure proper communication with the encoder: (Setup mode by default).
- The Encoder position-dial is colored blue when in Setup Mode, either through the NanoMic or the BlueBox (a).
- Note that the operational mode is not available through the BlueBox (b).
- The Signal amplitude bar indicates whether the signal is within the acceptable tolerance (c) . Note that prior to performing the Signal Verification process the bar could indicate an out of tolerance signal (d).
- Encoder data is displayed in the encoder data area (CAT No., Serial No.) (e).
- The position dial display responds to shaft rotation (f).
It is important to perform the Signal Verification process prior to the calibration of the encoder to ensure optimal performance.
Signal verification process
The Signal Verification process ensures that the encoder is mounted correctly and provides good signal amplitudes. This is performed by collecting raw data of the fine and coarse channels during rotation.
- Select <Signal Verification> on the main screen (a).
- Select <Start> to initiate the process (b).
- Rotate the shaft in order to collect the fine and coarse channels data (c).
- If the process is successful, the status “Signal verification successful” would appear (d).
- The ‘amplitude circle’ would be centered between the two green circles, preferably in the middle of the tolerance (e).
Note: that mounting the encoder towards the extreme mechanical tolerances might cause the amplitude circle to be offset from the exact middle of the nominal position.
- If the signal is out of tolerance the Error notification “Amplitude is lower/higher than the min/max limit of XXX” would appear (g).
- In Addition, the status “Signal verification failed – perform calibration amplitude” would appear at the top (h).
- Stop the process and re-mount the encoder, making sure that the mechanical installation tolerances are not exceeded, removing or adding shims as required.
- Repeat the Signal Verification process after remounting.
Note: Once the signal verification process is successfully completed, proceed to the encoder calibration phase, Section 10.
Calibration
The VLX encoders include several options for performing calibration:
- ‘Push-Button’ Calibration
- Auto-calibration
- Manual Calibration
‘Push-Button’ calibration
- This simple calibration procedure is possible once the encoder is mounted and connected to the customers product, without using the Encoder Explorer software or connecting to a PC.
- In this calibration procedure, the zero point cannot be changed and is set at the factory default zero point.
- It is not possible to use the Push-Button calibration if the encoder rotation sector is less than 360 degrees. If the encoder rotation sector is less than 360 degrees, Push-Button calibration cannot be used. In such a case, either automatic or manual calibration should be applied.
‘Push-Button’ calibration process
The calibration process can start once connecting a 5V power supply.
- Upon power connection the LED should continuously blink green or blue. This means the encoder is ready for calibration
- Press the Push-Button (a) for 5 seconds.
- Continuously rotate the rotor for about 10-20 seconds.
The LED will blink alternately red & green or blue (b). - When the LED is showing constant green or blue the calibration process has ended successfully.
- If the LED blinks red this means that the calibration process failed. In case of failure – refer to the troubleshoot table below:
| No. of blinks | Calibration step with error | Recommended corrective action |
| 1 | Noisy electrical environment |
|
| 2 |
|
|
| 3 |
|
Repeat calibration process at lower speed |
- If ‘Push Button’ calibration repeatedly fails after the applying the corrective actions, revert to the auto or manual calibration processes (sections 10.2 & 10.3).
- If calibration still fails – contact Netzer support department.
Auto-calibration
Auto Calibration is supported by encoders with FW 4 version 4.1.3 or higher. For these encoders an additional “Auto-calibration” button is displayed.
Auto-calibration process
The Auto-calibration process consists of three stages:
- Jitter Test – Evaluation of Electrical Noise in Encoder Channels
The Jitter Test assesses electrical noise levels in the Fine, Medium, and Coarse encoder channels. During this test, the shaft must remain stationary.
Important Notice: The Pass/Fail criteria for the Jitter Test follow strict factory standards. A failure in this test will automatically abort the Auto Calibration process. However, when performed manually as part of the Manual Calibration process (Section 10.3), the user has the flexibility to determine whether the jitter level is acceptable for their specific requirements. - Offset calibration – to perform the offset calibration, the shaft must rotate continuously throughout the process.
- Absolute Position (AP) Calibration – This step calculates the Coarse Amplitude Alignment (CAA) and Medium Amplitude Alignment (MAA). During the Auto-Calibration process, the encoder’s Zero Position remains at the factory default for new encoders.
To manually set the Zero Position, navigate to the Calibration tab in the top menu bar and select “Set UZP”, as described in Section 10.4.
Performing Auto-calibration
Press the <Auto-calibration> button.
The main auto-calibration window opens.
- Select the appropriate measurement range applicable to your application (a).
- Make sure to keep the shaft still and press the <Start>
- The Noise test would be performed and upon successful completion the “Noise test” label will be marked with a green check mark.
- The Offset calibration would automatically start upon completion of the Noise test. This calibration requires that the shaft be rotated continuously.
- The AP calibration would automatically start upon completion of the Accuracy Calibration. Continue rotating the shaft in this phase until the AP calibration is completed, and the encoder is reset.
- Once the reset is over, the Auto-calibration process is successfully finished.
- The user can review the calibration results by clicking the <View data> button (b).
- It is always possible to abort the Auto Calibration process by clicking the <Abort> button (c).
Auto-calibration failures
- If a test fails (for example the Noise test) – the result will be marked with in red X.
- If the calibration process failed, corrective recommendations will be displayed, corresponding to the element which had failed the test.
- It is possible to review detailed information regarding the failure, by clicking the <Detailed data> button (d).
Manual calibration
The Manual calibration process consists of the following stages:
- Offset calibration – performs the offset calibration, the shaft must rotate continuously.
- CAA / MAA Calibration – performs Coarse Amplitude Alignment (CAA) and Medium Amplitude Alignment (MAA) are calculated.
- Zero Position Set – Used to determine a Zero Position other than the factory default.
- Jitter Test – Used to determine the amount of jitter and allow the user to decide if acceptable.
Select <Manual Calibration> on the main screen (a).
Offset calibration
In this process, the DC (direct current) offset of the sine and cosine signals are compensated over the operational sector (offset calibration).
- Click <Start data acquisition> (b).
- Rotate the shaft continuously during data collection, covering the whole working sector of the application from end to end. The progress bar (c) indicates the progress of the data collection.
Rotation speed is not a parameter during data collection. By default, the procedure collects 500 points. The collected data for the fine / coarse channels, should be a clear “thin” circle which appears in the center of the plots (d) (e) with a possible slight offset.
- When offset calibration is completed, click on <Continue to CAA/MAA Calibration> button (f).
Calibration of Coarse Amplitude Alignment (CAA) & Medium Amplitude Alignment (MAA)
The following calibration aligns the coarse channel, and medium channel in certain encoders, with the fine channel by collecting data from each point in both channels. This is performed to make sure that every time the encoder is turned on, it would provide an accurate absolute position.
- Select the relevant option from the Measurement Range options (a):
- Full mechanical rotation – shaft movement is over a full 360 degrees rotation – (that is the recommended calibration).
- Limited section – shaft has a limited rotation angle which is less than 360 degrees. In that mode you need to input the rotation range by degrees.
- Free sampling mode – sets the number of calibration points in accordance with the total number of points in the text box. The system displays the recommended number of points by default. The minimum points over the working sector are nine.
- Note that the Total number of points would change to the optimal default according to the selected measurement range above.
- Click the <Start Calibration> button (b).
- The Calibration process control (c) indicates the current position, and the next target position to which the shaft should be rotated.
- Rotate the shaft to the next position, stop and click the <Continue> button to sample the position (d). The shaft should be at STAND STILL when clicking the button.
The Shaft movement status (e) indicates the shaft movement status.
- Complete the sampling process using the following routine: positioning the shaft –> stand still –> clicking <Continue> (d) to sample the position.
- When the process is completed click the <Apply and Continue to UZP> button (f).
Setting the zero-position of the encoder
- Select one of the options for setting the zero point and click <Apply and close>.
- It is possible to set either current position or rotate the shaft to any other position to be set as the zero point.
- It is also possible to set the Zero Point through the top menu bar, by selecting “Calibration” tab, and clicking “Set UZP”.
Jitter test
The jitter test is used evaluate the level of electric noise.
Common jitter should be +/- 3 counts; higher jitter may indicate system noise and would require better grounding or shielding of the electric noise source.
- Select “Calibration” tab, and click “Jitter Test”
- Select the Jitter test mode (a).
- Set the Timing and Sampling parameters (b).
- Click <Start> button (c) and check if the results (d) are within acceptable tolerances for the intended application.
Another indication of excessive jitter/noise when the blue dots in signal amplitude circle are not evenly distributed on a thin circle as appears below.
Operational Mode
SSi / BiSS
- Operational Mode indication of the SSi / BiSS encoder interface is available by using the NanoMIC to connect with the encoder. When in Operational Mode the color of the position dial is orange.
- For more information read about NanoMIC on Netzer website
- The operational mode is using SSi / BiSS interface with 1MHz clock rate.
- The encoder position-dial is colored orange when in Operational Mode. The bar below the dial, is the corresponding binary word output for the current shaft position (a).
ISRAEL
- Netzer Precision Position Sensors A.C.S. Ltd. Misgav
- Industrial Park, P.O. Box 1359 Misgav, 2017400
- Tel: +972 4 999 0420
USA
- Netzer Precision Position Sensors Inc.
- 200 Main Street, Salem
- NH 03079
- Tel: +1 617 901 0820
FAQ
- Q: What is the Netzer Communication Protocol (NCP)?
- A: NCP is a setup mode used for configuring the encoder settings. Refer to section 8.4 of the manual for detailed instructions.
- Q: How do I determine the ordering code for the VLX encoder?
- A: Refer to section 2 of the manual for detailed information on the ordering code structure and options available for the VLX encoder.
- Q: What is Extended Accuracy (EA) and when is it applicable?
- A: Extended Accuracy is a feature available for certain VLX models for enhanced precision. Check the specifications to see if your model supports EA.
Documents / Resources
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Netzer VLX Product Line Hollow Shaft Kit Encoder [pdf] User Guide VLX Product Line Hollow Shaft Kit Encoder, VLX Product, Line Hollow Shaft Kit Encoder, Shaft Kit Encoder, Encoder |