Mr. Paulus, what is behind the 'Nextgen' initiative?

We have used the supply crisis with the supply bottlenecks of important components as an opportunity to systematically modernize our comprehensive portfolio. The core technologies used in our products were updated in a targeted manner in order to improve performance and strengthen our supply chains. The resulting new generation of encoders is equipped for future tasks. As part of the 'Nextgen' initiative, our 'Tiltix' inclinometers have also been taken to the next level alongside the magnetic encoders of the 'Ixarc' family.

Why is this upgrade necessary?

An important impetus for the tilt sensors came from outside. As the previously used MEMS sensors had been discontinued, a new development was automatically necessary - whereby we also brought new features to the market here with the latest MEMS technology, for example better performance and additional flexibility in programming.

With the rotary encoders, on the other hand, the initiative came from us alone: We were concerned with further improving the performance of Posital 's magnetic incremental and absolute encoders - from resolution to power consumption. An important goal was also more independence in procurement and, of course, cost optimization in order to be prepared for competition.

What does this mean for the individual encoders? What exactly is new?

Our new incremental encoders, which have been available for several months now, not only offer slightly better accuracy, but above all a significant reduction in power consumption. In addition to the omnipresent issue of sustainability, this is particularly helpful in applications with a large number of sensors in the network. The actual sensor technology has been improved in the new generation of encoders: a modern TMR sensor - which stands for Tunnel Magneto Resistance - is now used instead of the previous Hall sensor. The bottom line is that 'Ixarc' encoders equipped with TMR have a higher resolution and more stable performance over a wide range of operating conditions. We are also now using the latest microcontrollers.

The 'Ixarc' encoders from Posital.

© Posital

Which encoders and which products have now reached a new level?

The first absolute 'Ixarc' encoders from the 'Nextgen' initiative will be presented just in time for the SPS. In addition to the changes already described, these also use an ASIC developed by us, which takes over the logic for the Wiegand multiturn system. With our own ASIC, we are entering the field of basic sensor technology for the first time and consolidating our reputation as a 'Wiegand company'. The new absolute encoders will start with an SSI interface, with other interfaces such as Profinet or Ethernet/IP to follow soon.

And how do users benefit?

The new 'Ixarc' devices offer a higher resolution of 18 bits. Power consumption can be reduced by up to 60 % with the incremental encoders. Despite their updated inner workings, the devices are compatible with the previous models. The protocol and mechanical parameters are unchanged. The widespread use of the latest electronic components ensures stable supply chains and high availability of our products. Especially with our own ASIC, we have the supply chain - right up to the fab level - completely in our own hands.

What does the future roadmap look like?

Over the next few months, we will be busy rolling out our new encoders with the interfaces that are still open. At SPS, we will be showing 36 mm kit encoders for the first time - our magnetic mounting kits for integrated motor feedback, which are based on the 'Nextgen' platform. In mid-2024, the 'Nextgen' switch will be available for the 22 mm kits, which are designed for microdrives. We are already working hard to make the basic sensor technology of our new 'Ixarc' generation fit for safety applications. The topic of safety was already intensively considered during their development.

Hall 4A, Stand 300