Agilent Cuts Assembly Time by Half with Industry's Smallest Encoder
6/18/2003 - Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) introduced the industry's smallest high-speed, "plug-and-play" absolute encoder that reduces assembly time by half and cuts costs for industrial automation systems by as much as 40 percent.
Agilent's new AEAS-7000 device uses a module approach that reduces the number of assembly steps to four, versus other approaches that require as many as eight steps. The new encoder also dramatically reduces the number of components needed from approximately 80 to as few as 4, decreasing inventory, manufacturing, and purchasing costs. In addition, it eliminates the need for multiple alignment adjustments with its industry-first plug-and-play feature.
Absolute encoders are used in machines that need information about the position of components before any motion occurs. The AEAS-7000 is capable of resolutions ranging from 12 bits to 16 bits. It complements Agilent's 8-bit and 10-bit resolution absolute encoders, introduced in 2002. The AEAS-7000 is targeted at industrial automation applications, including servo motors, robotics, machine tools, and wafer handlers. It is based on technology acquired from Optolab Microsystems AG earlier this year.
"The AEAS-7000 offers clear differentiation from other absolute encoders," said Chong Khin Mien, vice president of Agilent's Motion Control Products Division. "Our plug-and-play feature can help manufacturers save engineering resources and get to market faster, both of which are critical in today's environment."
AEAS-7000 Features
In addition to reduced part count and assembly time, the AEAS-7000 offers other important features:
- Small form factor for space-constrained applications
- 5-encoder resolution options in one compact package
- 16 MHz serial data output for high-speed applications such as servo motors up to 12000 rpm
- Eliminates manual hunting for Most and Least Significant Bits (MSB & LSB)
- Grey code correction to +/- 1 LSB decreases codewheel misalignment
- Serial synchronous four-wire interface
U.S. Pricing and Availability
Agilent expects volume availability of the AEAS-7000 in August 2003. Pricing is expected to be below $28 each in 5,000-unit quantities.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 32,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6 billion in fiscal year 2002. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
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