Optical Encoder iC-PXL3212: Functions and Applications

Optical Encoder From prosthetics to Lidar and drones

2024-04-18 A guest post by Goran Pandza* | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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The iC-PXL3212 is an optical, reflective, and lens-less encoder IC. It features integrated HD phased array photo sensors and a blue LED chip. The encoder IC is suitable for a variety of applications.

Optical Encoder: The iC-PXL3212 developed by iC-Haus can be used in both linear and rotary applications. The encoder ICs can be used in medical technology, automobile manufacturing, or industry.(Image: iC-Haus) — Optical Encoder: The iC-PXL3212 developed by iC-Haus can be used in both linear and rotary applications. The encoder ICs can be used in medical technology, automobile manufacturing, or industry.
(Image: iC-Haus)

Goran Pandza is responsible for sales and application for encoder systems at iC-Haus.

The iC-PX series from iC-Haus offers optical, reflective, lens-less encoder ICs with integrated HD phased array photo sensors and a blue LED chip. The current generation of encoder ICs of the type iC-PXL3212 offers extended functionality and performance while maintaining a compact form factor, as it relies on the 180-nanometer CMOS process.

The newly added functions include higher digital interpolation and the possibility of operation in analog mode. The improved amplifier circuit achieves particularly high-quality analog signals. There is also OPT Flex Count, which in the factory allows resolution of the interpretation core to be defined according to the specific application. Another advantage of the iC-PXL3212 is that it can be used in both linear and rotary applications.

Optical Encoder for Medical Technology: Prosthetics Example

The technological advancement of the iC-PX not only improves well-known applications such as incremental rotary encoders, miniature motors, actuators, X-Y and linear tables, or robots for factory automation, but also opens up entirely new application areas for this encoder. A particularly promising segment is prosthetics within medical technology, especially the trend towards active prosthetic systems. Active prostheses offer the wearer improved stability and position recognition through direct current miniature motors and intelligent microprocessor control. As a result, stable and efficient movement is enabled that much closer resembles the natural movement apparatus than with passive prostheses.

The microprocessor used receives data from high-resolution angle and pressure sensors, on the basis of which it controls motion and damping mechanisms. A related application is active exoskeletons, which are increasingly being used in workplace safety and health care in logistics, construction, and industry. The iC-PXL3212 is well suited for such complex tasks due to its precision, processor performance, and functionality. The small form factor and generous alignment tolerances of about ±0.5 mm radially and tangentially meet typical requirements in prosthetics.

Use under special environmental parameters: Lidar and drones

Lidar sensors (Light Detection and Ranging) play a key role in a variety of applications, from autonomous driving to real-time measurements and drone navigation. In these systems, precise control of rotating mirrors, which distribute the laser light in a rotating manner, is essential for the accuracy and performance of Lidar measurements. Optical encoders play a crucial role in controlling the motion of rotating mirrors that distribute the laser light in a rotating manner. The components used always require a compact design and easy integration into machine systems. The iC-PXL3212 offers high accuracy and individual parameterization of the resolution. Especially for drones, the wide temperature range of -40 to 125 °C is advantageous.

Laser engraving for embodiment of measure

The principle of reflection scanning provides further flexibility in the application possibilities of the optical encoder iC-PXL3212. A blue LED with a wavelength of 460 to 480 nm is used. The optically high-resolution sensor can use a line pattern engraved directly into stainless steel and selected other metals with lasers as a measure embodiment. In contrast to adhesive measure embodiments, particularly dense and robust applications are created, which meet the high requirements for quality and service lives in medical technology, the automotive sector, or demanding industrial applications.

Development and integration into application production

iC-Haus offers comprehensive evaluation kits to support the use of its products in customer applications. These kits enable quick and efficient testing and evaluation of the sensor in the lab. The iC-PXL3212 is pre-installed on a circuit board, along with corresponding measure embodiments or code disks. By connecting with a second board, all output signals can be captured, facilitating the testing of various operating modes. The manufacturer iC-Haus offers customized layouts for code disks to meet the individual requirements and applications of customers. (heh)

Insight into the encoder IC

The iC-PXL3212 uses a blue LED with a wavelength of 460 to 480 nm. Together with a high-resolution optical sensor, this LED is used to scan a line pattern engraved or etched directly into stainless steel and other metals as a scale. The functionality is based on the blue LED emitting light with a wavelength that can be particularly well detected by the optical sensor.

By using blue LEDs instead of conventional infrared LEDs, the sensor can capture the measurement pattern with high resolution and accuracy. This approach enables particularly dense and robust applications, as the scale is directly incorporated into the metal rather than using an additional adhesive film. The combination of blue LED and high-resolution sensor in the iC-PXL3212 allows for precise position detection. This is especially advantageous for applications such as prosthetics, Lidar systems, or robotics.

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