Magnetic motor feedback is indispensable in linear drives, circuit-board assembly, handling systems, robotics, and other Industry 4.0 machines for automation. The purpose of these sensors is often to track speed and position and communicate that data to a main controller in realtime.

Now ultra-compact LEC100 and LEC200 sensors from SIKO gives design engineers two new options for space-constricted builds.

High-resolution sensors that can also deliver high repeatability are vital to the communication of motion-axis position and speed data. they help motor-driven axes run as smoothly as possible. But space for sensors is extremely limited in many applications … so such sensors must be as small as possible. No wonder that the trend of sensor miniaturization continues unabated.

The sensor head of the SIKO LEC range is 40 x 10 x 10 mm. The height of the sensors is half that of previous models. So these new LEC sensors are about as flat as a smartphone …

… even with the electronics accommodated in the sensor housing. The sensors also include a thin high-flex cable (with an external diameter of 4.3 mm at most) that is compatible with cable tracks.

Despite the compact design, two LEDs are integrated for visual function and status monitoring and a reference option.

Analog or digital feedback from SIKO LEC100 and LEC200 sensors

The LEC sensors come with an analog interface (1Vss) or a digital interface (LD), as required. The user can also choose between accuracy classes +/- 8 µm (LEC100) and +/- 15 µm (LEC200). The repetitive accuracy is max. 1 µm (LEC100) or 2 µm (LEC200), the max. resolution 0.1 µm (LEC100) or 0.2 µm (LEC200).

Position information and reference home from the sensor magnetic band

The LEC100 sensors for 1 mm systems are combined with the MB100/1 magnetic band, while the LEC200 sensors (2 mm systems) work with the MB200/1 magnetic band. Both sensors are equipped internally with an additional sensor chip for reading a reference point on the band side. Precise and reliable location of home position is therefore always possible. With the LEC200 variant, the reference point can be set on the scale by the customer. (Flex ref. process).

Other SIKO LEC100 and LEC200 sensor specifications

With a protection rating of IP60 and a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 85° C (-40 to 185° F) the LEC100 and LEC200 sensors are rugged; like all of the magnetic sensors manufactured by SIKO, the sensors are also resistant to dust, chips, oils, grease, and moisture. In addition, the SIKO LEC100 and LEC200 sensors:

Are for 1.0 and 2.0 mm scale technology; include very thin high-flex cable; ensure repeatability to +/- 1 µm (from the LEC100); include referencing on the band side; and display function and status through an LED that glows green or yellow depending on the sensor situation and function. For more information, visit siko-global.com/p/lec100 or siko-global.com/p/lec200.