Micronor’s Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder System Awarded U.S. Patent

 Micronor Inc. has secured U.S. patent 7,196,320 for its ZapFREE(TM) Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder
System.

The patent recognizes Micronor's wavelength division multiplexing approach which produces a totally passive encoder utilizing no electronics within the sensor - and therefore deployable in stressful environments not suited for conventional electronic-based encoders.

The Micronor encoders meet ATEX requirements as "simple apparatus" and are certified for use in hazardous environments. An MRI-transparent encoder has been recently developed for the medical industry.

The technology was commercially introduced in 2004 as the MR3XX series ZapFREE^(TM) Fiber Optic Encoder series. Customer applications now range from aerial cable cars to electric trains; from mines to steel mills to oil rigs. The sensors are offered in 100-1024ppr resolutions as well as industry-standard shaft or hollow shaft configurations.

According to the company's press release, the MR3 XX sensors mechanically mount like any conventional rotary encoder,then connected by a simplex fiber optic link to a MR310 Remote Encoder Interface (REI) module. The REI module offers an array of standard interfaces (quadrature, serial 4-20mA and , ±10V, etc.) that ensures connectivity with all major motor drive, motion control and PLC
systems.