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Victor, NY - Nov. 11, 2008 - New Scale
Technologies, Inc. today announced its
TRACKER™ position sensor, a
high-resolution magnetic sensor with integrated, on-chip digital
encoder. Its small size and 2 µm resolution make this magnetic
encoder a robust and cost-effective alternative to miniature optical
encoders. It can be used as a linear encoder or off-axis rotary
encoder.
The TRK-1T02 TRACKER position sensor measures 8.5 x 11.5 x 1.61
mm. Total height with magnet and air gap is approximately 3 mm – up
to 50% thinner than comparable optical encoders with glass scale.
Unlike optical encoders, the TRACKER does not require a light source
and is insensitive to external light, making it well suited for
optical imaging applications such as miniature cameras. It has
additional advantages of insensitivity to shock, vibration and
high-particulate environments, as well as less stringent mounting
alignment requirements.
The on-chip encoder provides direct digital output using standard
I2C protocol, eliminating the need for external pulse counters. A
microprocessor can query multiple TRACKER position sensors and read
position information directly.
With no light source, the TRACKER has lower power draw than
optical encoders. Because this incremental encoder features a
built-in zero reference, power consumption can be further reduced by
saving position information to flash memory and turning off the
power to the encoder when the system is not moving; the encoder does
not need to be reset when power is restored. Automatic gain control
and offset compensation make it less sensitive to external magnetic
fields than ordinary magnetic sensors.
In addition to optical and imaging systems, the TRACKER position
sensor is recommended for consumer electronics, precision biomedical
devices, instrumentation, automation and automotive applications.
Its small size makes it ideal for creating tiny, integrated
closed-loop motion systems using micro motors such as New Scale’s
SQUIGGLE motor.
TRK-1T02 TRACKER Position Sensor Specifications
- Resolution .......... 2 µm
- Repeatability....... 2 µm
- Supply voltage.... 3 to 3.6 VDC
- Current............... 21 mA
- Output............... serial communications using I2C
protocol – no pulse counter required
- Dimensions....... 8.5 x 11.5 x 1.61 mm
(Total height ~ 3 mm with magnet and air gap)
- Zero reference.....built in
Pricing and availability
The TRK-1T02-E TRACKER evaluation pack includes a TRK-1T02
position sensor, linear magnetic strip, MC-31MB interface card and
software to facilitate evaluation. The USB interface returns direct
position information to a PC.
Engineering samples of the TRK-1T02 and TRK-1T02-E will be
available for purchase in December 2008, with general availability
from stock in January 2009. Contact New
Scale for samples and OEM pricing.
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About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies (www.newscaletech.com) designs and manufactures
miniature motion systems for precise movement of optics in imaging applications.
Our simple and elegant products deliver best-in-class performance in consumer
imaging, biometric authentication, surveillance, medical and machine vision
markets. With more than a decade of motion systems innovation, we integrate
piezoelectric micro motors, miniature drive control electronics and precise
mechanical systems. Our customers benefit from complete solutions for rapid
commercialization of their next generation products.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark, and TRACKER, New Scale Pathway and UTAF are trademarks of New Scale Technologies, Inc.
Please note: Press releases are current as published, but are not updated
after posting. Refer to our product pages for current product information including
specifications.
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