Overview / Design Principle:

Even electric motors in the harshest environments require feedback to ensure smooth speed control. In the past, engineers have applied encoders and sensors designed for standard industrial environments into these extremely harsh environments, impacting system reliability and increasing life-cycle costs. NorthStar, the first name in heavy-duty encoders, has the solution.

The heavy rail proven NorthStar HSD44 series optical encoder was designed to be a survivor. This anodized aluminum encoder can survive high levels of shock and vibration, wide temperature extremes, and operating environment contaminants. Our HSD44 optical encoders can withstand the harshest outdoor environments and the toughest industrial applications.

The 1024 pulses-per-revolution (PPR) are provided by a rugged, stainless steel disk, which is read from a specially designed optical sensor. An enormous 0.025" sensor gap reduces sensitivity to shock, vibration, and motor bearing wear. The counter-spiral shaft-coupler provides a flexible mount that eliminates resonance throughout the operating range and will not fatigue under vibration. Electronics are condensed down to a single ASIC, reducing the likelihood of electronic component failure.

The NorthStar HSD44 is designed for end-of-motor application. Adapter plates are available for common motor styles, and custom adapter plates can be created to fit any application.

Features and Benefits:

Mechanical and Environmental

• Highly resistant to shock and vibration
• Flexible shaft coupling
• Tough, stainless steel optical code disk
• Wide, 25 mil sensor gap
• Double shaft seal protects encoder internals from the environment

Electrical