Mercury
TM
1500
Digital Output Encoder Systems
Factory Set Resolution to 0.50μm
Reflective Linear and Rotary Encoders
Resolution
Factory Set:
x4, x8, x20, or x40
Available
with standard
15 pin D-sub connector
or
Micro connector
Sensor the
size of a
dime
Linear: 5μm, 2.5μm, 1.0μm,
or 0.50μm
Rotary: 6,600 to 655,000 CPR
Accuracy
Linear: ± 1μm available
± 3μm to ± 5μm standard
Rotary: Up to ± 2.1 arc-sec
Output
A-quad-B and
Digital Index Window
The Mercury 1500 encoder system includes the sensor, double shielded cable, your choice of connector, and either a linear or rotary
glass scale. Mercury’s space-saving, integrated configuration gives OEM system designers a breakthrough in performance.
Imagine what you can do with this!
Reduce the cost and size of your system, and increase its performance all at
once. MicroE Systems’ Mercury 1500 kit encoders are available in two
styles. The M1500S, an RS-422 compliant 15 pin standard D-sub connector
and the M1500H, an RS-422 compatible 5x2 micro-connector for tight
spaces. Simply stated, the M1500 is smaller, higher performance, faster to
install, and easier to use than any other encoder. The tiny sensor fits into
very tight spaces, has broad alignment tolerances for fast and easy setup
and works in both linear and rotary applications. The entire Mercury 1500S
encoder is EMI shielded for use in the toughest environments. With
standard digital A-quad-B output, select the Mercury 1500 encoder with the
resolution required by your application.
Table of Contents
System & Sensor
Scales
O
rdering Information
pg . 2-6
pg. 7-8
pg. 9
Optional Features & Accessories
• SmartPrecision Alignment Tool
Standard features
• Small sensor with ultra-low Z height; flush screw mounting
• Sensor is 8.4mm (H) x 12.7mm (W) x 20.6mm (L) and weighs 1.6g
• Available with 15 pin standard D connector or micro-connector
• A-quad-B output and Index window
• Factory set interpolation x4, x8, x20, x40 for resolutions of 5µm to
0.50µm (linear); 6,600 CPR to 655,000 CPR (rotary)
• Entire system is EMI shielded
• Bi-directional index signal
• Index mark at the center or end of the glass scale (linear)
• Alignment Tool enables fast set up (see pg 2)
• Glass scale length or diameter:
Linear lengths from 5mm to 2m
Rotary diameters from 12mm to 108mm
• Cable length of 1m, 2m, 5m or custom
• SmartPrecision Software for set up
System Configurations
Standard and Optional Equipment
M1500S Encoder System
Standard Equipment
M1500H Encoder System
Standard Equipment
Encoder Sensor
Same for linear and
rotary scales.
Controller
Interface Cable
M1500S
RS-422 compliant
15 pin standard
D-sub connector
M1500H
RS-422 compatible
5 x 2 header
Micro-connector
SmartPrecision
™
Alignment Tool - SSAT 1500
Provides fast set up; the built-in
LED indicators make alignment
fast and easy, eliminating the
need for an oscilloscope.
The RS232 Interface Adapter
provides power to the encoder
and connections to a PC. This is
included with the Alignment Tool.
Optional Software
SmartPrecision
™
Software
Optional software lets you view signal
strength, Lissajous plots, position data
and diagnostics.
Page 2 of 9
Broader Alignment Tolerances,
Increased Standoff Clearance, Smallest Sensor and More
Why Mercury Encoders Make It Easier To Design High Performance Into Your Equipment
Theta Z Alignment Tolerance
Eliminate the Frustration of Touchy
Encoder Alignment
Mercury Solves this Problem for Good
Fussy alignment is no longer a concern. With Mercury’s
patented PurePrecision
™
optics, advanced SmartPrecision
™
electronics and LED alignment indicators, you can push the
sensor against your reference surface, tighten the screws and
you’re finished. Try that with brand X or Y.
This performance is possible thanks to relaxed alignment
tolerances, particularly in the theta Z axis. Mercury offers a
± 2° sweet spot– that’s a 300% improvement over the best
competitive encoder. And that will result in dramatic savings
in manufacturing costs.
No other commercially available encoder is easier to align,
easier to use, or easier to integrate into your designs.
± 2°
± 0.5°
± 0.006°
Mercury
Brand Y
Brand X
Alignment Tolerance Comparison**
Z Standoff
Y
theta X
theta Y
theta Z
Mercury*
± 0.15mm
± 0.20mm for linear
_
± 0.10mm for rotary > 19mm dia.
± 1.0°
± 2.0°
± 2.0°
Brand X
± 0.1mm
± 0.1mm
unspecified
± 0.1°
± 0.006°
Brand Y
± 0.1mm
unspecified
± 1.0°
± 1.0°
± 0.5°
Mercury is 100% better
Mercury is 300% better
Mercury vs. Best Competitor
Mercury is 50% better
Mercury is 100% better
*Measured at a constant temperature for one axis at a time with all other axes at their ideal positions.
**Based on published specifications
Mercury Can Reduce System Size and Cost
Mercury’s sensor height is 44% shorter than competitive encoders,
making it easy to fit into your design. This reduction can also cut total
system weight and cost by allowing the use of smaller motors and
stages. Safe system operation is also enhanced thanks to Mercury’s
generous standoff clearance– 200% greater than other encoders.
And its standoff tolerance is 50% greater than the best alternative.
This significantly relaxes mechanical system tolerances,
while reducing system costs.
Mercury
Standoff Clearance
2.4mm*
± 0.15mm
Brand Y
Mechanical Dimension Comparison**
Sensor Z height
Standoff clearance
Standoff tolerance
System height
Mercury Brand X Brand Y Mercury vs.
Best Competitor
8.4mm 23mm 15mm
44% better
2.4mm 0.5mm 0.8mm 200% better
± 0.15mm ± 0.1mm ± 0.1mm 50% better
11.7mm 28.5mm 15.8mm 26% better
Brand X
0.8mm
± 0.1mm
0.5mm
± 0.1mm
* Dimensions shown illustrate encoder system standoff clearance; see Mercury
Encoder Interface Drawings for correct design reference surfaces.
**Based on published specifications
Page 3 of 9
System Specifications
Resolution and Maximum Speed
Mercury 1500 systems have factory set interpolation: x4, x8, x20, x40. Below is the table of available resolutions.
Linear - 20μm grating pitch
Interpolation
Resolution
Maximum Speed
x4
x8
x20
x40
5.000µm/count
2.500µm/count
1.000µm/count
0.500µm/count
7200mm/s
7200mm/s
7200mm/s
7200mm/s
Rotary - 20μm grating pitch
Rotary
Glass Scale
Diameter
Fundamental
Resolution
Interpolation
Below is a table of the available resolutions
.
0.472” [12.00mm]
1650 CPR
interpolated resolution (CPR)
interpolated resolution (arc-sec/count)*
interpolated resolution (µrad/count)*
maximum speed (RPM)
x4
6,600
196.4
952
13090
x4
10,000
129.6
628
8640
x4
16,384
79.1
383
5273
x4
32,768
39.6
191.7
2637
x8
13,200
98.2
476
13090
x8
20,000
64.8
314
8640
x8
32,768
39.6
191.7
5273
x8
65,536
19.78
95.8
2637
x8
131,072
9.89
47.9
1318
x20
33,000
39.2
190.3
13090
x20
50,000
25.9
125.6
8640
x20
81,920
15.82
76.6
5273
x20
163,840
7.92
38.3
2637
x20
327,680
3.96
19.16
1318
x40
66,000
19.64
95.2
13090
x40
100,000
12.96
62.8
8640
x40
163,840
7.91
38.3
5273
x40
327,680
3.96
19.17
2637
x40
655,360
1.978
9.58
1318
0.750” [19.05mm]
2500 CPR
interpolated resolution (CPR)
interpolated resolution (arc-sec/count)*
interpolated resolution (µrad/count)*
maximum speed (RPM)
1.250” [31.75mm]
4096 CPR
interpolated resolution (CPR)
interpolated resolution (arc-sec/count)*
interpolated resolution (µrad/count)*
maximum speed (RPM)
2.250” [57.15mm]
8192 CPR
interpolated resolution (CPR)
interpolated resolution (arc-sec/count)*
interpolated resolution (µrad/count)*
maximum speed (RPM)
4.250” [107.95mm] 16384 CPR
x4
interpolated resolution (CPR)
65,536
interpolated resolution (arc-sec/count)* 19.78
interpolated resolution (µrad/count)*
95.8
maximum speed (RPM)
1318
* Resolution values shown are approximate. To calculate exact resolution values, convert from CPR (Counts Per Revolution) to the desired units.
Note: Specifications assume XOR function which is available in all standard controllers.
All Specifications are subject to change. All data is accurate to the best of our knowledge. MicroE Systems is not responsible for errors.
Page 4 of 9
System Specifications
System
Grating Period
20µm
System Resolution 5µm, 2.5µm, 1.00µm, or 0.50µm (linear)
Linear Accuracy* Better than ±1µm** available; contact MicroE
Better than ±3µm** up to 130mm, ±5µm from 155mm to 1m,
±5µm per meter from 1m to 2m
*Maximum peak to peak error over the specified movement when compared to a NIST-traceable laser interferometer standard,
used at room temperature and with MicroE interpolation electronics.
**Or +/- one quadrature count, whichever error value is greater.
Rotary Accuracy* Scale O.D.
12.00mm
19.05mm
31.75mm
57.15mm
107.95mm
Microradians**
±100
±63
±38
±19
±10
Arc-Seconds**
±21
±13
±7.8
±3.9
±2.1
*Based on ideal scale mounting concentricity
**Or +/- one quadrature count, whichever error value is greater.
Sensor Size
W:
L:
H:
12.70mm
20.57mm
8.38mm
0.500"
0.810"
0.330"
Operating and Electrical Specifications
Power Supply
Temperature
Operating:
Storage:
Humidity:
EMI:
Shock:
Sensor Weight:
Cable:
5VDC ±5% @ 60mA
0 to 70°C
-20 to 70°C
10 - 90% RH non-condensing
M1500S: Entire system is EMI/RFI protected
M1500H: Customer provides shielding at cable termination
1500G 0.5 ms half sine (Sensor)
5.0g (Sensor without cable)
Double Shield. Diameter: 3.6mm (0.142”)
Flex Life: 20 x 10
6
cycles @ 20mm bending radius
All Specifications are subject to change. All data is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
MicroE Systems is not responsible for errors.
Page 5 of 9
