(SICK: Minneapolis) -- The ANS/ANM58 PROFINET from SICK Sensor Intelligence marks a new generation of absolute encoders specifically designed for higher machine and system productivity. Available in both single-turn and multiturn variants, the compact ANS/ANM58 comes with the PROFINET global, cross-industry Ethernet fieldbus for industrial automation.

It delivers rapid, bidirectional communication with PLCs for shorter cycle times, high-precision movement control, and fast integration. The ANS/ANM58 PROFINET provides increased productivity across a diverse range of factory and logistics automation applications, including drives and control, packaging technology, mechanical engineering, electronics, energy generation, machine building, storage, and conveyor systems.

In automated machines and systems, encoders provide the basis for efficient and controlled monitoring of the movement of drives and axes via rotary sensors that measure position, speed, and displacement.

From the launch of the first encoder in 1960, SICK has poured 65 years of expertise in encoder technology into the design of the ANS/ANM58, including an improved optical measurement system for high-precision movement control. The new range meets growing customer demand for precise and clock-synchronous motion control, condition monitoring of machines and systems, short cycle times, space-saving design, and easy installation.

Ease of integration and flexibility

With the ANS/ANM58 series, users can configure their ideal encoder, choosing from single-turn or multiturn measurement with resolutions of 18 bit (262,144 steps/turn) or 34 bit (262,144 steps/turn x 65,536 turns) to suit the application. The new ANS/ANM58 absolute encoders offer a flexible, space-saving design ideal for tight and demanding installation scenarios, with best-in-class compactness starting from as little as 39 mm long. It has several mounting options, including flat or narrow housing designs as well as axial or radial plug variants.

The ANS/ANM58 comes in solid shaft, blind hollow shaft, or through-hollow shaft options for transmitting rotational movement information, and a variety of flanges for flexible mounting. It can be installed directly onto mechanics or mounted with a wire draw mechanism or rotary measuring wheel for linear motion monitoring.

Finally, the ANS/ANM58 can be individually and intuitively tailored to meet the requirements of each application using the UX-friendly, SICK SOPAS configuration tool, or during integration into control system architecture via Siemens TiA Portal.

Fast, accurate real-time data communication

Many applications are based on the precision movement of drives and axes, requiring exact position, displacement, speed, or acceleration data to ensure reliability of processes. The latest PROFINET interface specification with Encoder Profile version 4.2 is implemented in the ANS/ANM58 absolute encoder generation, making it possible—via the IRT (isochronous real time) function—to synchronously execute processes and reduce cycle times.

The precise position, speed, and displacement measurements, which the encoder generates by means of a new high-resolution opto-ASIC from SICK, facilitate the planning and implementation of controlled movements of drives and axes.

They also make it easier to precisely coordinate process steps, particularly in complex systems. Examples include: the synchronization of processes in packaging technology; the repeatable recording of positions and measurement of movements for precise control in mechanical engineering; or for the efficient automation of transport and handling processes in storage and conveyor systems.

Supporting the evolution toward smarter factories, industrial sites, and warehouses, the ANS/ANM58 absolute encoders provide process-related diagnostic data and enable condition-based system maintenance for the encoders and mechanical systems they are connected to, preventing unplanned downtime.

The ANS/ANM58 encoder provides diagnostic data, including temperature, speed, various counter functions, and time stamps, which can also be used to configure application-specific limit values and create warning limits for targeted maintenance and servicing measures.

“The robust new SICK Sensor Intelligence ANS/ANM58 PROFINET is suited to almost any industrial application that moves, across multiple industries and environments,” says Darren Pratt, executive of SICK UK market product for motion control sensors and identification. “It brings together all our encoder technology know-how to create a new generation of absolute encoders designed to meet individual installation requirements, achieve clock-synchronous processes, and deliver higher productivity.”

Photo: SICK