Product Overview

The SICK ATM90 is a high-precision absolute encoder designed for accurate position measurement in industrial automation environments. It delivers reliable, repeatable positioning with a maximum resolution of 4,096 steps per revolution, offering up to 12-bit resolution across both the step and revolution dimensions. The encoder features a robust construction with a stainless steel shaft and aluminum flange, ensuring durability under demanding operational conditions. With an IP65 enclosure rating and shaft seal, it provides excellent protection against dust and water ingress. Ideal for applications requiring precise feedback in motion control systems, the ATM90 ensures consistent performance across a wide temperature range and high humidity environments. Its SSI interface enables seamless integration with standard industrial controllers, making it a reliable choice for position sensing in automated machinery.

Key Features and Technology

The ATM90 leverages Gray-code technology to ensure accurate position detection even under noisy conditions, minimizing errors due to signal transitions. It operates with a maximum resolution of 4,096 steps per revolution (12-bit), achieving a total resolution of 4,096 × 4,096 steps across revolutions. The encoder is factory-programmed with a set value of zero in Gray-code format and supports custom configurations upon request. With a repeatability standard deviation σr of 0.1°, it ensures high positional consistency. A clock frequency of 1 MHz enables fast data transfer while maintaining signal integrity. Reverse polarity protection safeguards the internal circuitry against voltage errors, enhancing system reliability. The encoder is designed with self-heating considerations—allowing for a 3.3 K temperature rise per 1,000 rpm when designing operating conditions.

Technical Characteristics

The SICK ATM90 absolute encoder has a maximum resolution of 4,096 steps per revolution (12-bit), with total resolution at 4,096 × 4,096. It operates using Gray-code encoding and supports binary code as an option. The communication interface is SSI, operating at a clock frequency of 1 MHz. The connection type is a 12-wire radial cable, 3 meters long, with a male connector. Supply voltage ranges from 10 to 32 V DC, including reverse polarity protection. Shaft diameter is 12 mm and made of stainless steel for high corrosion resistance. Flange material is aluminum. The unit weight is 1.030 kg (net), with a total unit weight of 1.03 kg. All values are based on standard operating conditions as defined in the product documentation.

Configuration and Integration

The ATM90 integrates directly into industrial control systems via its SSI interface, which is compatible with most motion controllers and PLCs. The encoder supports Gray-code output with a factory-set initial value of zero; alternative configurations are available upon request. A minimum LOW level duration of 500 ns for the clock signal ensures reliable timing during data transfer. The 12-wire radial cable connection provides stable signal transmission over 3 meters, suitable for most industrial installations. Designed with a male connector, it simplifies mounting and wiring in automated systems. All electronic failures are considered hazardous per SICK’s safety documentation (document no. 8015532), emphasizing the need for proper system design and monitoring. The encoder is not classified as a safety component under the Machinery Directive.

Operating Environment

The ATM90 operates reliably within an ambient temperature range of –20 °C to +70 °C, with storage capability extending from –40 °C to +100 °C when unboxed. It is rated for a permissible relative humidity of up to 98%, making it suitable for high-moisture environments such as food processing or chemical plants. The IP65 enclosure rating ensures protection against dust and water jets, with shaft sealing providing additional environmental resilience. Temperature rise due to operation (3.3 K per 1,000 rpm) must be accounted for in system design to maintain performance within specified limits. Positional accuracy is based on symmetrical error limits as defined by DIN ISO 1319-1, ensuring consistent deviation in both upper and lower directions.

Industrial Applications

The SICK ATM90 is ideal for use in precision motion control applications such as robotic arms, CNC machines, and automated assembly lines. Its high resolution and repeatability (σr = 0.1°) ensure accurate feedback for position monitoring. The robust design and environmental resilience make it suitable for use in harsh industrial settings including manufacturing, packaging, and material handling systems. With a wide operating temperature range and humidity tolerance, it performs reliably across diverse environments. Its compatibility with standard SSI interfaces allows easy integration into existing automation architectures. The encoder’s ability to maintain accuracy under varying loads and temperatures ensures consistent performance in dynamic production processes.