Product Overview

The AHS/AHM36 Compact Absolute Encoder is a high-performance, robust encoder designed for demanding industrial environments. It offers flexible mechanical integration with multiple mounting options including face mount flange, servo flange, and blind hollow shaft, accommodating various shaft diameters and pitch hole sizes. With IO-Link, CANopen, SAE J1939, or SSI interfaces, the AHS/AHM36 ensures seamless compatibility across diverse control systems. Its stainless steel construction and IP69K enclosure rating make it ideal for harsh conditions. The encoder supports both 14-bit (singleturn) and 26-bit (multiturn) resolution, enabling precise position and length measurement. Equipped with the A30 Smart Task, it can autonomously detect set length values and trigger downstream actions—such as film cutting—without relying on external control systems.

Key Features and Technology

The AHS/AHM36 leverages advanced smart task functionality through its integrated A30 Smart Task to perform autonomous decisions, such as triggering a cut signal after a predefined length is passed. This reduces communication load on fieldbus or Ethernet networks, improving overall system response times. The encoder supports direct length measurement that remains accurate even under varying conveying speeds. It provides extensive IO-Link capabilities including real-time temperature and operating time data storage, enabling process optimization and condition monitoring. Additionally, the SSI output protocol structure can be customized to match virtually any existing SSI encoder setup. This flexibility ensures compatibility with legacy systems while maintaining high performance in dynamic environments.

Technical Characteristics

The AHS/AHM36 offers 14-bit (singleturn) or 26-bit (multiturn) resolution for precise position sensing. It supports multiple communication interfaces: IO-Link, CANopen, SAE J1939, and SSI. Through the A30 Smart Task, it can generate a trigger signal upon reaching a set length value—ideal for singulation processes. The encoder outputs position, speed, and current temperature data via CANopen and SAE J1939 interfaces. In CANopen mode, it also transmits diagnostic data such as maximum speed, minimum and maximum temperatures, and operating time. Resolution, counting direction, and code type can be customized per application. The SSI protocol structure is configurable to ensure compatibility with a wide range of existing systems.

Configuration and Integration

The AHS/AHM36 provides flexible mechanical integration through three flange types—face mount, servo, and blind hollow shaft—with five available shaft diameters. The rotatable male connector or cable connection allows for compact installation in tight spaces, reducing the number of required encoder variants across different mounting scenarios. This design enables quick replacement and simplifies maintenance. With IO-Link, CANopen, SAE J1939, or SSI interfaces, integration into existing control systems is straightforward. The encoder supports customizable parameters such as resolution, counting direction, and code type to match specific application requirements. Its ability to adapt the SSI protocol structure ensures compatibility with virtually any SSI-based system without modification.

Operating Environment

The AHS/AHM36 is built with a stainless steel enclosure rated IP69K, making it highly resistant to dust, water, and high-pressure washdowns. This robust design ensures reliable operation in harsh industrial environments such as food processing, packaging, or chemical manufacturing. The encoder maintains performance under extreme conditions due to its sealed construction and corrosion-resistant materials. It is suitable for continuous operation in wet, dirty, or high-moisture settings where standard encoders may fail. Its environmental resilience allows deployment in locations exposed to frequent cleaning or exposure to aggressive chemicals without degradation of functionality.

Industrial Applications

The AHS/AHM36 is ideal for applications requiring precise length measurement and reliable position feedback under dynamic conditions. It is specifically suited for packaging film length measurement, where it can detect when a set length passes through and trigger downstream cutting systems using the integrated A30 Smart Task. When combined with a print mark sensor, it enables accurate singulation of film rolls. The encoder’s ability to maintain precision at varying speeds makes it suitable for high-speed conveyance lines. Its compatibility with CANopen and SAE J1939 supports integration into vehicle or machinery control systems. Additionally, its diagnostic data output supports predictive maintenance and process optimization in automated production environments.