Playing it safe – even more broadly positioned

Posital is expanding its range of explosion-proof Ixarc encoders with UL-certified models designed for safe operation in environments containing potentially hazardous levels of explosive dust, vapors, or gases. The certified incremental and absolute encoders comply with UL approval for hazardous locations, covering applications in clearly defined areas (Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D; Class II, Division 2, Groups F and G; and Class III).

The devices are ideal for use in mining, oil and gas facilities, agriculture, chemical plants, paint and wood processing plants, and the food industry – for example, in grain mills or bakeries. The UL certification documents cover several encoder configurations. Also important: The UL explosion-proof devices are also certified for compliance with the international ATEX and IECEx standards for Category 3 electrical products operating in Zone 2 and Zone 22 conditions.

The UL-certified Ixarc encoders feature aluminum or stainless steel enclosures designed to prevent electrical hot spots that could cause a fire or explosion. The protective enclosures contain robust magnetic measurement technology that guarantees accurate results while also being able to withstand shock loads of up to 100 g and sustained vibrations of up to 10 g.

The Ixarc incremental encoders feature several programmable performance parameters. The resolution (between 1 and 16,384 pulses per revolution) and the direction of the incremental pulses (A before B or B before A) can be changed through simple firmware updates. The output driver can be configured for either push-pull (HTL) or RS422 (TTL). Customers can order their required configurations preset at the factory or customize their encoders on-site using Posital's convenient UBIFAST programming tool.

Ixarc series absolute encoders have a resolution of up to 16 bits per revolution and a multi-turn counting range of up to 20 bits (over one million revolutions). Available communication interfaces include analog, SSI, CANopen, J1939, IO-Link, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, Profibus, and Profinet. The rotation counter for multi-turn versions is powered by an energy-harvesting Wiegand sensor system. This reduces maintenance requirements, as there are no backup batteries to install, test, or replace.

Like all members of the Ixarc encoder family, the UL/ATEX/IECEx-certified models can be ordered with a range of mounting flange designs and shaft configurations. They are available with either connectors (M12, etc.) or permanently connected cables. This wide range of configuration options makes it possible to select an encoder configuration that can be easily integrated into almost any machine or system.

Finding the right Ixarc sensor for a specific application is easy. posital.com offers a powerful product finder tool that allows customers to specify the product features required for each application and then quickly focus on the best available products.