MicroScale™

REFERENCE MANUAL
®

ACU-RITE
MicroScale Table of Contents
Page Page
Introduction / Supplied items ................................................... 2 Checking the Installation ......................................................... 10

Key Points / Tolerances ............................................................. 3 Troubleshooting ....................................................................... 11

Linear Encoder Dimensions ...................................................... 4 Mechanical Specifications ....................................................... 12

Spar Dimensions ....................................................................... 5 Output Signals and Pin-Outs ................................................... 13
Electrical Specifications .......................................................... 14
Mounting Requirements ........................................................... 6
Typical Mounting ...................................................................... 7 The ACU-RITE warranty and
Encoder Installation Procedure ................................................. 8 30-Day Red Carpet warranty service ....................................... 15

Front mount
Adjustable bracket
front mount

Rear mount
Base mount
Bottom mount bracket
bracket

• Installation brackets and kits are available.

• Your Authorized ACU-RITE Distributor can assist you in selecting
brackets and tools for your installation.

1 ACU-RITE ®
Introduction / Supplied Items MicroScale

The MicroScale Precision Glass Scale Linear Encoder provides the For future ordering information or warranty service, record the linear
accuracy and reliability of an ACU-RITE measuring system in a very encoder catalog and serial numbers.
small cross-section with digital output (analog output available).
Catalog # Serial #
Features and options include:
• Resolutions of 0.5, 1 or 5µm. Axis # 1: _____________________________________
• Accuracy grades of ± 3 or ± 5 µm / 1000mm. Axis # 2: _____________________________________
• Position Track. Axis # 3: _____________________________________
• Vinyl or Armor cables of 2, 5, 10, 15, & 20 ft. lengths. Axis # 4: _____________________________________
• Mounting fasteners, center supports, and backup spar.
Date of Purchase _____________________________________
• Installation tools, brackets, and accessories.
The MicroScale is especially useful for applications with limited space Distributor: _____________________________________
such as X/Y stages and compact metrology equipment. Contact your Address: _____________________________________
ACU-RITE Distributor for assistance with selection of product Telephone: _____________________________________
options and accessories.

Shipping carton Shipping carton MicroScale

MicroScale contents over 18”
contents 1” - 18”
C

D
A
A

E F

B
C D
E
A) MicroScale linear encoder D) Cable Mounting Hardware
B) Backup Spar E) Linear Encoder Mounting Hardware
C) Reference Manual F) Backup Spar Mounting Hardware

ACU-RITE ® 2
MicroScale Key Points / Tolerances

Use this information to plan your Linear Encoder installation. // .005 A // .005 B
• Understand your mounting requirements.
• Follow kit instructions when using an ACU-RITE bracket kit.
• Mount encoders close to ways to insure system accuracy. // .005 A
Gap B
• Mount with lip seals down and away from the work area. -A- = Machine travel
.059 ±.005”
• Brackets should be short and rigid. Center support surface [1.50]
• Surfaces must be in good condition, clean and free of Reading head required
Scale assembly
dirt and paint. assembly
• Do not remove shipping brackets until instructed. // .005 A
• Shipping bracket spacers can be used to insure .059” gap.
// .005 A
• Mount from either side to obtain desired cable exit direction. Equal Equal
• Tolerances of .005” TIR apply to all mounting dimensions.
• Center support surface required for all measuring
lengths when not using a back up spar.

Shipping bracket removal clearance

.26 [6.6] .037 [.9]

1.00 1.00 Min. Min.
Slide brackets away Measuring length + 1”
from the reading head [25.4] over travel

• Allow clearance for shipping bracket removal. • Limit equipment travel to less than measuring length.

3 ACU-RITE ®
Linear Encoder Dimensions MicroScale

Measuring length + 4.65 [118]

.280 .335 .482
[7.11] Measuring length + 4.09 [103.9] [8.51] .670 [12.25]
Typ. Scale case [17.00]
Scale assembly Mounting hole .Gap
End cap
.059 ± .005
[1.50]
1.182
[30.00]

Reading
head for M4 Strain relief Ø .30 Ø .16 Align both
assembly Hex nut and cable [7.6] [4.1] surfaces
.140
.463 Armor Vinyl
[3.55] 1.85 .170
[11.76] [47.00] [4.32]
2.0 [50] Approx. .02
2.775 Ø .160 min bend radius [0.5]
.175 [4.57]
[70.50] [4.00] min. of armor
Typ.
2.350 .280 .840
.213
[59.69] [7.11] [21.34]
[5.41] .150 1.352 [34.34]
Typ. [3.81]
Spar

.170
.295 .138 .652 [4.32]
.159 [16.56]
[7.50] M3 x .25 [6.31] [3.50]
[4.04] Typ.
deep min.

ACU-RITE ® 4
MicroScale Spar Dimensions

Backup spar Linear Encoder L A X No. B Backup spar Linear Encoder L A X No. B
Part Number Measuring Length Places Part Number Measuring Length Places
384611-101 1 5.650 .825 2 4.000 384611-118 18 22.650 1.325 3 10.000
384611-102 2 6.650 .825 2 5.000 384611-120 20 24.650 2.325 3 10.000
384611-103 3 7.650 1.325 2 5.000 384611-122 22 26.650 3.325 3 10.000
384611-104 4 8.650 1.825 2 5.000 384611-124 24 28.650 4.325 3 10.000
384611-105 5 9.650 2.325 2 5.000 384611-126 26 30.650 5.325 3 10.000
384611-106 6 10.650 2.825 2 5.000 384611-128 28 32.650 1.325 4 10.000
384611-107 7 11.650 3.325 2 5.000 384611-130 30 34.650 2.325 4 10.000
384611-108 8 12.650 3.825 2 5.000 384611-132 32 36.650 3.325 4 10.000
384611-109 9 13.650 1.825 3 5.000 384611-136 36 40.650 5.325 4 10.000
384611-110 10 14.650 2.325 3 5.000 384611-140 40 44.650 2.325 5 10.000
384611-111 11 15.650 2.825 3 5.000 384611-144 44 48.650 4.325 5 10.000
384611-112 12 16.650 3.325 3 5.000 384611-148 48 52.650 1.325 6 10.000
384611-113 13 17.650 3.825 3 5.000 384611-152 52 56.650 3.325 6 10.000
384611-114 14 18.650 1.825 4 5.000 384611-156 56 60.650 5.325 6 10.000
384611-116 16 20.650 2.825 4 5.000 384611-160 60 64.650 2.325 7 10.000

.330 .075 Ø .196 Drill thru

Ø .344 C’bore x .100 Dp.
“X” no. of places

.585

B Typ. ±.005
“A” ± .005 “A” Ref.
Non accumulative
L ±.015

5 ACU-RITE ®
Mounting Requirements MicroScale

Mounting options can be adapted to machine mounting surfaces

Center support
using spacers, standoffs, and leveling screws. assembly

• Measuring length and mechanical configuration of your equipment

determines your options.
• Length related mounting options shown.
• Backup spar mounting optional for all lengths 18” or less.
• Mount the backup spar following the same procedure as required
for mounting without a backup spar, using the same tolerances.

• 8” to 18”: End mounting holes with center support.

End mounting holes Backup spar

mounting Encoder
retaining clip

Spar leveling
screws
Spar
fastener
Upper and lower clip
assembly typical

• 7” and smaller: End mounting holes with encoder mounted to a • 20” and longer: Backup spar required.
continuous flat surface, or with center surface on same plane as
end mounting surfaces.

ACU-RITE ® 6
MicroScale Typical mounting

A variety of mounting conditions can be accommodated. Spar mounting

• Mechanical configuration of the equipment determines brackets
and adapters required to install the linear encoder.
• Three typical conditions are shown for reference.
// .030

• Flush or offset mounting surfaces using a spar.

• Reading head mounting bracket required (mounting plate example
shown).

Flush mounting surfaces Offset mounting surfaces

// .005 // .030

• Mounting surfaces are flush within .005”.

• Installation without a backup spar. • Offset mounting surfaces using a reading head bracket.

7 ACU-RITE ®
Encoder Installation Procedure MicroScale

These steps apply to all mounting conditions. Although this may

not pictorially represent your application, your installation procedure
should follow these steps. Center mounting axis

• ACU-RITE Bracket Kit instructions supercede this

section.
• General steps for small X & Y stage.
• Adjust drill depths and fastener lengths as required.
• Contact your Authorized ACU-RITE Distributor if assistance is CL
required. Mark center of axis

• Center the axis.

• Mark the axis for easy return to center.

Keep head and Underside of end caps to be Align top of scale case to
Scale case scale case flush with parting line of within .015” of axis travel
CL surfaces flush upper slide.

Scale case

Shipping Strain relief Mark end mounting

End cap
brackets (2) Reading head and hole location
cable assembly
• Center the reading head on the scale case by sliding the head and
shipping brackets together along the scale case. • Locate the linear encoder along the axis parting line.
• Mark location of one end mounting hole in the scale case.

ACU-RITE ® 8
MicroScale Installation Procedure
Align to within Drill / tap for 6-32 Use shipping brackets
Axis .005” to maintain head
(M3).
travel to axis travel alignment.

Drill / tap
for 6-32 (M3). CL

6-32 X 3/4” SHCS & M3 flat washer 6-32 X 3/4” SHCS & M3
(M3 X 20mm) flat washer (M3 X 20mm)

• Drill / tap the first end mounting hole / Attach the scale case. • Center the axis and mark the reading head mounting holes.
• Align to within .005” TIR. and drill / tap second end hole. • Move the axis and drill / tap holes for 6-32 (M3).
• Attach scale case & align to within .005” TIR. of the axis travel. • Attach head and align to scale case to within .005” TIR.

Slide bracket from reading head

and twist 45°

6-32 X 3/4” SHCS & M3 flat washer

(M3 X 20mm)

Retaining clip Shipping bracket

Center support (2)

• Use center supports when provided. • Slide shipping brackets from reading head and twist to remove
• Place at uniform intervals along the scale case. from the scale case.
• Save the shipping brackets with the Reference Manual.

9 ACU-RITE ®
Checking the Installation MicroScale
Connecting These steps will confirm proper operation of your installation.
Provide slack Counting tests check channel A and B output function and Reference
loops Mark tests check Reference Mark operation.

• Configure the readout for proper counting resolution.

• Move axis and compare the display to the movement.
• Repeat test for mechanical integrity and repeatability.
• Configure the readout for sensing reference mark.
• Move the reading head approximately 20mm.
Secure excess
cable • Locate an indicator on scale end and zero out axis and indicator.
Attach connector • Move axis out and back over full travel and return to dial zero.
• Electronics should read zero ± 1 count.
• Route the cables with slack loops to allow for axis motion.
• Secure excess cable by fastening with clips or ties.
• Attach the linear encoder connectors to the readout.

Counting Test Place indicator at end of

moving component (scale case
shown, or reading head).

Repeatability Test

Readout
• Zero the display and indicator.
• Move axis to the end of it’s travel, then return to dial zero.
• Check function of the linear encoder. • Readout should read zero ± 1 count.

ACU-RITE ® 10
MicroScale Trouble Shooting

If you experience difficulties with your installation, there are methods with other machine structures through the length of the linear
to analyze the difficulty. Operating difficulties can be caused by either encoder travel.
the linear encoders or the readout. • Check for loose fasteners. If you find loose fasteners, first confirm
Checking the readout that the linear encoder is installed to the tolerances specified and
then retighten the fasteners as required.
Follow the steps below to determine if your difficulties are associated • Confirm that the linear encoder is installed to the required
with the readout: tolerances by checking the alignment tolerances specified on Page
• Insure that the linear encoder connectors are correctly seated. 3 “Key Points”. If the installation does not meet the tolerances,
• Swap linear encoder cables at the readout to see if the problem is reinstall the linear encoder according to the procedures in
still shown in the same display. “Installation”.
• If the problem remains in the same display, the readout is in error. • Perform a Repeatability Test as described on Page 10, “Checking
• If the problem follows the connection change, the linear encoder Your Installation”. If the linear encoder is installed to the
may be in error. required tolerances, the bracketry and linear encoder have been
• Follow this procedure for any intermittent problem experienced. checked for interferences and loose fasteners, and the linear
encoder fails the repeatability test, the linear encoder is likely at
If the readout is at fault, refer to “What to do” to arrange for the fault.
parts necessary to repair your system. If the linear encoders appear
to be the cause, perform the next step. Do not attempt to repair the linear encoder. The units are only
serviceable by assembly replacement. Attempted repair can
Checking the Linear Encoders permanently damage the unit and void the warranty.
Linear encoder difficulties can be caused by improper installation,
loose or misaligned bracketry, or a damaged / failed linear encoder. What to do
If an ACU-RITE linear encoder or readout is found to be at fault,
Follow the steps below to determine the cause of your system prior to removing the linear encoders or readout contact your
difficulties: Authorized ACU-RITE Distributor or OEM/OEI for repair
• Confirm that your bracketry and installation does not interfere instructions.

11 ACU-RITE ®
Mechanical Specifications MicroScale

Mechanical Specifications Digital Analog

Resolution 0.5µm 1µm 5µm
Grating pitch 20µm
Scale medium Light transmission through chrome-coated glass
Accuracy (@ 20° C) / 1000mm ± 3µm, ± 5µm
Max. slew speed (inches/sec)
@ 10° C to 30° C 40
@ 0° C to 40° C 21
Force required to move < 0.5 (lbs)
reading head
Operating Environment
Temperature 0° to 40° C
Relative Humidity 20% to 95% (non-condensing)
Storage Environment
Temperature - 40° to 65° C
Humidity 20% to 95% (non-condensing)
Weight (lbs) 1.1 + 0.12/ft of measuring length
Connecting cable Length = 5, 10, 15, and 20 ft. Length = 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ft.
armored or vinyl Connector: DE-9P or Bendix PTO 6A-10-6P Connector: DE-9P
(or Cannon, Burndy equivalent)
Max. cable length (ft) 36 26
Measuring lengths 1” - 60”
Reference pulse interval 100mm fixed or Position Track
Repeatability Within one resolution count

ACU-RITE ® 12
MicroScale Output Signals and Pin-Outs
Digital Differential
Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9
N/C Green Yellow Blue Red White Brown Pink Gray
N/C Channel Channel Channel Channel Ground Vcc, + 5.1 Channel Channel
A+ A- B+ B- ± 0.1 VDC @ 140mA max. R+ R-

1 5

6 9
Analog Differential

Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9

N/C Green Yellow Blue Red White Brown Pink Gray
N/C Channel Channel Channel Channel Ground Vcc, + 5.1 Channel Channel
A+ A- B+ B- ± 0.1 VDC @ 140mA max. R+ R-

Large key A

Digital single ended

Pin A Pin B Pin C Pin D Pin E Pin F
Green Blue Brown White Drain Pink
Channel A Channel B Vcc, + 5.1 Common (power supply Shield, reading head Channel R
± 0.1 VDC @ 140mA max. and return signal return) casting ground (Reference Mark)
13 ACU-RITE ®
Electrical Specifications MicroScale

Parameter Digital Analog

IOH=(High level output current) = 20mA
Output Signals VOH=(High level output voltage) >2.5Vdc
0° 90° 360°
0° 360° IA, B:7-16 µApp
1 1
Channel A+ Channel R+ IµA Channel B
0 0
1 Channel A
Channel A- 1 Channel R-
0 0
90°
1 1 Count IµA IR:2-8 µApp
Channel B+
0 (Phased) Channel R
1
Channel B-
0
IOL=(Low level output current) = -20mA
VOL=(Low level output voltage) >0.5Vdc
For Single Ended output only
A+, B+, and R+ apply

Incremental signals Square-wave voltage signals. Similar phasing, but differential

Channels A and B, in 90° sinusoidal current output
quadrature relationship
7-16µApp
Signal levels TTL-level
w/1 K Ohm load

Reference Mark signals Square-wave signal Differential current output

Signal level TTL-level 2-8µApp

w/100 K Ohm load

Power Supply 5.1 ± 0.1 VDC @ 140 mA max. 5.0 ± 0.1VDC @ 80 mA max.

ACU-RITE ® 14
MicroScale ACU-RITE Warranty

ACU-RITE products and accessories are warranted against defects Responsibility for loss of operation or diminished performance due
in material and workmanship for a period of three years from the to environmental conditions such as humidity, dust, corrosive
date of purchase. ACU-RITE will, at its option and expense, repair chemicals, deposition of oil or other foreign matter, spillage, or other
or replace any part of the ACU-RITE product which fails to meet conditions beyond ACU-RITE's control can not be accepted by ACU-
this warranty. This warranty covers both materials and factory RITE.
service labor. In addition, authorized ACU-RITE service
representatives will provide service labor (field service) for a one- There are no other warranties expressed or implied, and
year period at no charge. Notice of the claimed defect must be ACU-RITE INCORPORATED shall not be liable under any
received by ACU-RITE within the warranty period. circumstances for consequential damages.

This warranty applies only to products and accessories installed and 30 Day Red Carpet warranty service
operated in accordance with this reference manual. ACU-RITE shall Keep the box and packing materials
have no obligation, with respect to any defect or other condition
caused in whole or part by the customer's incorrect use, improper All ACU-RITE products are covered by a 30-day Red Carpet
maintenance, modification of the equipment, or by the repair or Warranty Service. If in the first 30 days this product fails for any
maintenance of the product by any person except those deemed by reason, repack it in the original packing materials and contact your
ACU-RITE to be qualified. Authorized ACU-RITE Distributor for return instructions.

15 ACU-RITE ®
 tes
No

ACU-RITE ® 16
ACU-RITE IS AN
®
ISO 9001
CERTIFIED
MANUFACTURER
ACU-RITE
ACU-RITE COMPANIES INC.
One Precision Way • Jamestown, NY 14701
384601-004 EDITION G 2/03