Communication protocol implemented on encoder platform

Leine & Linde, with exclusive North American distribution through Heidenhain, offers DRIVE-CLiQ on an encoder platform, designed for operation in harsh environments under exposure to vibrations, shocks, and mechanical loads. The encoder can be installed to the motor mechanics typically found in heavy-duty applications without any adaptation required.

DRIVE-CLiQ is Siemens’ new communication protocol for motor feedback in a Sinamics drive system. It is an Ethernet-based interface for connection of different kinds of components, such as motors, frequency converters, and encoders. This is the first time the interface has been implemented on a heavy-duty encoder platform.

The encoder is designed for transfer of both position and speed data over the same protocol. The scanning generates absolute position data, which means that each step of the turn is represented by a unique code — both single-turn for the exact position of the shaft and multi-turn for the number of full revolutions.

The protocol also is intended for transmission of real-time speed data. Encoder speed is 19 bit single-turn, and cycle time is 31.25 µs.