Programmable Rotary Encoder
October 7, 2019
QM35 EZ-Comm encoder and handheld programming device connected to a motor
Quantum Devices now offers a programmable commutating rotary encoder. In response to industry demand for reduced labor time and more reliable installation, Quantum Devices developed the QM35 EZ-COMM.
This time-saving programming technology simplifies BLDC commutation programming. It reduces production assembly and configuration time for OEMs using incremental encoders to precisely control the motion and position on axes in equipment they produce.
Key points:
- QM35 EZ-Comm low-profile incremental encoder has a full complement of commutation signals built into the base product
- Handheld programming module supporting 4, 6, 8, 10, or 14 pole commutation to accommodate an extensive variety of BLDC motor designs
- All it takes is the push of a button and two quick rotations of the motor shaft to time the motor to the encoder’s commutation signals
The QM35 EZ-Comm encoder with programmable commutation is the newest and simplest way to commutate BLDC motors.
QM35-EZ-Comm incremental rotary encoder
Additional features and benefits include:
- Programmable commutation
- Full complement outputs
- Bearingless modular design
- Low profile (.43″ when assembled)
- Through bore sizes up to .375″ diameter
- High noise immunity
- Up to 5,000 lines per revolution
- 26C31 line driver is TTL compatible (can be wired single-ended)
- Index pulse gating
Programmable Encoder Saves Time & Money
In the past, configuring commutation for BLDC motors was time-consuming and required multiple steps that forced OEM (or end-user technicians) to determine the precise angle of permanent magnets on a motor rotor, then align that angle with the signals produced by an external commutation device. (Check out this example of timing an optical encoder to a BLDC motor.) These alignment and timing tasks have been greatly simplified by the QM35 EZ-Comm encoder and handheld programming device.
The handheld EZ-Comm Programmer
The QM35 EZ-Comm encoder is a high-performance encoder with a low-profile modular design suitable for high-volume OEM applications – yet priced competitively for motion control projects of all sizes.
What is commutation programming?
Motion control applications utilize encoders to translate position, or motion of a shaft or axle, to analog or digital output signals. Some of these applications also require a method to commutate a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The QM35 EZ-COMM is the next generation solution to commutating a BLDC motor while also provided high quality incremental feedback.
Commutation is the process of switching current in the motor phases in order to generate motion. BLDC motors required external devices to time the commutation of the motor. Typically, a hall effect sensor, or a commutating encoder, would act as this timing device. But in order to install them correctly to the BLDC motor, the installation process requires a technician to mechanically clock the motor phases with the encoder/hall effect sensor. This method of installing a commutation device requires specialized equipment, trained technicians and time.
Push-Button Efficiency
The QM35 EZ-COMM programmable encoder was designed to eliminate the need for special equipment and highly skilled technicians as well as to reduce assembly time. After a simple mechanical assembly of the encoder to the motor, the EZ-COMM program will time the encoder to the BLDC motor with the press of a button. By utilizing an on-board processor, the encoder can learn its position on the motor relative to the motor windings. Once this location is learned, the encoder will generate highly accurate commutation signals to drive the motor.
The QM35 EZ-COMM programming kit (p/n: 2174AG001) includes:
- EZ-Comm Programmer
- 19″ Programmer Cable (p/n: 2174AG002)
- 9VDC, 6W Power Supply
Custom Configurations & Engineering Support
Quantum Devices is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company who takes pride in their encoder manufacturing practices. By utilizing hermetically sealed LEDs, oversized interlaced photo diodes, and with the easy lock-n-twist assembly features, Quantum Devices rotary encoders are made to assemble easily and reliably and boasts superior performance.
Whether your needs are for a standard encoder, a custom encoder or the ease of a programmable commutating encoder, Quantum Devices’ engineers can assist you in specifying which rotary encoder will suit your application the most favorably.
