The MINISCALE PLUS system has the advantage that the measuring sensor is directly integrated into the carriage, eliminating the need for additional installation space. A separate length measuring system is not required, which significantly reduces design effort. Additionally, adjusting the position measuring system is unnecessary, as the system operates as a Plug and Play solution.

Measurement is performed by a scale embedded in the rail surface with a division period of 100 μm. Two LEDs illuminate this structured surface, creating bright and dark fields. The sensor detects these optical signals and converts them into electrical signals, which are then processed in the interface module.

The interface module is required to convert the raw signals provided by the sensor into standardized output signals. Both analog and digital interface modules are available, offered in four different designs.

In an incremental measuring system, a reference mark is used to determine a fixed zero point. This mark is placed on the reference track next to the incremental track and is also detected by the sensor.

The reference marks can be placed in any number and at any position along the reference track, as long as they are synchronized with the scale. The minimum distance between marks is 1.5 mm, and a distance of at least 2 mm should be maintained from the end of the incremental track.

The MINISCALE PLUS system offers a standard resolution of 0.1 μm, with optional resolutions of 1 μm or 10 μm. At a resolution of 0.1 μm, the system guarantees a unidirectional accuracy of ±0.1 μm and a bidirectional accuracy of ±0.2 μm.

The system offers two types of output signals: an analog variant (1 Vpp at 120 Ω) and a digital variant (TTL, compliant with RS 422 standard).

If the interface module cannot be placed directly at the sensor, an extension set can be used. A flexible flat cable (FFC) is used between the sensor and the interface module, available in lengths of 250 mm, 400 mm, or 600 mm. An adapter board is supplied with the extension cable.