www.rsf.at
MS 15
EXPOSED LINEAR ENCODERSWITH HOMING AND LIMIT FUNCTION

SPECIAL FEATURES
 Online signal stabilization
 Display of the signal quality directly at the scanninghead via 3-coloured LED function
 Permanent control of the signals
over the whole measuring length High quality of the signals due to singlefield scanning Homing and limit function
 Reference mark position customizable

TERM EXPLANATIONS
Grating period
A grating is a continuous series of lines and spaces printed on the graduation
carrier. The width of one line and one space is called the period of the grating.
The lines and spaces are accurately placed on the graduation carrier.
Signal period
When scanning the grating, the scanning head produces sinusoidal signals
with a period equal to the grating period.

Reference pulse (reference mark)There is an additional track of marks printed next to the grating to allow auser to find an absolute position along the length of the graduation carrier.
A one increment wide signal is generated when the scanning head passes
the reference mark on the graduation carrier.
This is called a “true” reference mark since it is repeatable in both directions. Subsequent electronics use this pulse to assign a preset value tothe absolute reference mark position.

Interpolation
The sinusoidal signal period can be electronically divided into equal parts.
The interpolation circuitry generates a square-wave edge for each division.

Error signal (US)This signal appears when a malfunctioning encoder generates faulty
scanning signals.

Measuring step
The smallest digital counting step produced by an encoder.

Online signal stabilization (HSP)
During moving the amplitude, offset-error, amplitude differences and phaseshift error are measured and stabilized cyclic.

Yaw angle, pitch angle, roll angle, displacement, gap tolerance
Mounting tolerances of the scanning head relative to the graduation carrier.

Δ ............Delta
φ ............Phi

02

Abbe error
Measuring error due to lateral distance between the measuring system andthe machining level.

www.rsf.at

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS











CONTAMINATION RESISTANCEIMMUNITY AGAINST AGING AND TEMPERATURE CHANGESHIGH PERMISSIBLE TRAVERSING SPEED
EASY MOUNTING
SMALL DIMENSIONSNO MECHANICAL BACKLASHNO FRICTIONAL FORCEREFERENCE MARKS REPEATABLE FROM BOTH TRAVERSING DIRECTIONSTWO SEPARATE SWITCH SIGNALSRESOLUTION: 10 µm – 0.05 µm

MS 15 MEETS ALL THESE REQUIREMENTS!

SCANNING PRINCIPLE
The model MS 15 incremental linear encoder system works with the photoelectricmeasuring principle and a singlefield reflective scanning method.
The regulated light of an infrared LED is collimated by a condenser lens and passes
through the grid of the reticle. After being reflected from the graduation carrier, the infrared
LED generates a periodic intensity distribution on the structured sensor.
The sensor generates high quality sinusoidal signals which are highly insensitive to possible
contaminations.
The regulation of the LED ensures a constant signal amplitude,guaranteeing stability in the case of temperature fluctuations and with long-run operation.

REFERENCE MARKS
Principle of the standard reference marks

Reference mark (RI)

50 equidistant

Activation sticker RI

Principle of the distance-coded reference marks

20 + 13 T

20 − 13 T

20 + 14 T

40
40 + 1 T

20 − 14 T

20 + 15 T

40
40 + 1 T

40
40 + 1 T

T = Grating period

03

ACCURACY DEFINITION
Overall error

The accuracy of a linear encoder is mainly determined by thebaseline error of the graduation carrier, the interpolation error of theoptoelectronic scanning and the position noise.

=

The baseline error is the error of the graduation carrier identified in ameasurement room under optimum conditions, along a determinedmeasuring length, without any interpolation error and position noise.

1

The indicated accuracy grade represents the maximum possible
baseline error. It is calculated within any section with a maximum
length of one meter.

Baseline error+
1Interpolation error+
Position noise

Effect of contamination on the quality and amplitude of scanning signal
Graduation carrier contaminated by fluids, dust, particles, fingerprints etc.

Amplitude A1

3

2

Scanning signals without
signal stabilization graduation carrier clean

3

Scanning signals without
signal stabilization graduation carrier
contaminated2 Scanning signals withsignal stabilization graduation carrier
clean and
3 contaminated

Amplitude A2

Amplitude A2

2

Amplitude A1

Effect of contamination on the interpolation error
Graduation carrier contaminated by fluids, dust, particles, fingerprints etc.
 Interpolation error with signal stabilization
 Interpolation error without signal stabilization043

www.rsf.at

SHIELDING, PIN ASSIGNMENT

Shielded PUR-cable;
Drag chain qualified.

Bending radius
fixed mounting

Bending radiuscontinuous flexing

D-sub connector, male, 15-pin
Pin

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Sinusoidal
voltage signals 1 Vpp

Test**

0V
Sensor

Occupied

RI−

A2−

A1−

V+
Sensor

V+

0V

S1***

S2***

RI+

A2+

A1+

nc

Square-wave signals
via line driver

Test*

0V
Sensor

US

RI

T2

T1

V+
Sensor

V+

0V

S1***

S2***

RI

T2

T1

nc

 * Test = analog signal switch-over for set-up.

By applying +5 V to the test pin, the test signals (sinusoidal micro-current signals 11 µApp)
are switched to the output connector.

Pin assignment(view on pins) ** Test = analog signal switch-over for set-up.

By applying +5 V to the test pin, the NOT corrected test signals (1 Vpp) are switched to the output connector.







S1, S2 = switch signals.

*** Version without switch signals (version K) = without function.
Sensor: the sensor pins are bridged in the chassis with the particular power supply.
The shield is connected with the chassis.
Mass: 28 g

Pins or wires marked “occupied” or “nc” must not be used by the customer.

Effect of the scanning head gap on the signal amplitude05

INTERFACES
SINUSOIDAL VOLTAGE SIGNALS 1 VPP(drawing shows “positive counting direction”)

Voltage signals (1 Vpp)

Power supply: +5 V ±10 %, max. 160 mA (unloaded)
Track signals (differential voltage A1+ to A1− resp. A2+ to A2 −):Signal amplitude 0.6 Vpp to 1.2 Vpp; typ. 1 Vpp(with terminating impedance Zo = 120 Ω between A1+ to A1− resp. A2+ to A2−).
Reference mark (differential voltage RI+ to RI−):
Square-wave pulse with an amplitude of 0.8 up to 1.2 V; typical 1 V(with terminating impedance Zo = 120 Ω between RI+ to RI−)
Advantage:- High permissible traversing speed with long cable lengths possible.

SQUARE-WAVE SIGNALS(drawing shows “positive counting direction”)
With the integrated interpolation electronics (for times -1, -5, -10, -20, -25, -50, -100 or -200)
the photoelement output signals are converted into two square-wave signals that havea phase shift of 90°.
The output signals are „differential“ via line driver (RS 422). One measuring step reflects
the measuring distance between two edges of the square-wave signals.

Square-wave signals „differential“

The controls/DRO´s must be able to detect each edge of the square-wave signals.
The minimum edge separation amin is listed in the technical data and refers to a measurement at the output of the interpolator (inside the scanning head). Propagation-time differencesin the line driver, the cable and the line receiver reduce the edge separation.
Propagation-time differences:
Line driver:max. 10 ns
Cable:
0.2 ns/mLine receiver:max. 10 ns (referred to the recommended line receiver circuit)
To prevent counting errors, the controls/DRO‘s must be able to process
the resulting edge separation.
Example:amin = 100 ns, 10 m cable
100 ns - 10 ns - 10 x 0.2 ns - 10 ns = 78 ns
Power supply: +5 V ±10 %, max. 160 mA (unloaded)
Advantages:- Noise immune signals.
- No further subdividing electronics necessary.

Recommended line receiver circuit

06

Counting direction

www.rsf.at

SWITCH SIGNAL OUTPUT
For individual special functions there are two additional switch tracks on the steel tape scale.
The switching point position can be chosen by the user by placing self-adhesive covering tapes.

VERSION H

VERSION Z

TTL output (active high)Open collector output (active high impedance)
+5 V

2K2

Sl

Switch trackSl

Switch trackSl

Pin 10 = Sl
Pin 11 = S2
2K2

••••
•••

S2

S2

Switch track
S2
Scanning head

Cable

Sl, S2 = TTL output
1 souRcE = 1 mA (high level > 2 V)
ls1NK = 20 mA (low level <0.8 V)

Steelreflective

Switch trackS2

015-pin 0-sub
Cover tapenon reflective

Pin lü=Sl
Pin 11 =S2

•
• 8

GND

150

Scanning head

Cable

Sl, S2 = open collector output
1 sINK = 20 mA (low level < 0.8 V)

Steelreflective

HIGH

LDW

0V to+24V0Sl

15-pin D-sub
Cover tapenon reflective
HIGH IMPEDANCELDWVERSION L

VERSION C

TTL output (active low)

Open collector output (active low)
+5 V

2K2

0V to+24V

0

Sl

Switch track
Sl

Sl
Switch trackSl

Pin 10 = Sl
Pin 11 = S2
2K2

••••
•••

S2

S2

Switch track
S2

Switch track
S2

Scanning head

Cable

Sl, S2 = TTL output
1 souRcE = 1 mA (high level > 2 V)
1 sINK = 20 mA (low level <0.8 V)

Steelreflective
HIGH

15-pin D-sub
Cover tapenon reflective
LOW

Pin lü=Sl
Pin 11 =S2

•
• 8

GND

150

Scanning headCable

15-pin D-sub

Sl, S2 = open collector output
1 sINK = 20 mA (low level < 0.8 V)

Steelreflective
HIGH
IMPEDANCE

Cover tapenon reflective
LOW

07

TECHNICAL DATASCANNING HEAD
AK MS 15
1 Vpp

AK MS 15
TTLx1uAK MS 15
TTLx5

AK MS 15
TTLx10

AK MS 15
TTLx20

AK MS 15
TTLx25

AK MS 15
TTLx50

AK MS 15
TTLx100

AK MS 15
TTLx200

Depending on
external
interpolation

10.00

2.00

1.00

0.50

0.40

0.20

0.10

0.05

--

Times 1Times 5

Times 10

Times 20

Times 25

Times 50

Times 100Times 200

10.00

10.00

6.40

3.20

2.40

1.92

1.92

0.96

0.96

Max. output frequency

250 kHz

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

Edge separation amin--

500 ns

300 ns

300 ns200 ns200 ns

100 ns

100 ns

50 ns

Model
Interface
Measuring step[µm]

Integrated interpolation
Max. velocity

[m/s]Interpolation error
with signal stabilization

Typical ±65 nm (peak-peak)Electrical connection

Cable, 0.5 m, 1 m or 3 m with D-sub connector, male, 15-pin

Voltage supply+5 V ±10 %Power consumption

Max. 880 mW (without load)

Current consumption

Max. 160 mA (without load)

Vibration 55 Hz – 2000 Hz
Shock 8 ms

≤ 150 m/s2 (EN 60 068-2-6)≤ 750 m/s2 (EN 60 068-2-27)

Operating temperature
Storage temperature

0 °C to 50 °C−20 °C to 70 °C

Mass

Scanning head: 12 g (without cable), cable: 30 g/m, connector: D-sub connector: 28 g

GRADUATION CARRIER
Model

MB MS 15 MK

MS 15 MP

Graduation carrier

Steel tape scale

Steel tape scale

Glass scale

Glass ceramic scale

Coefficient of linear expansion

α ≈ 10 x 10 /K

α ≈ 10 x 10 /K

α ≈ 8.5 x 10

α ≈ 0 x 10-6 / K

Grating period

40 µm

40 µm

40 µm

40 µm

Accuracy grades *±5, ±15 µm/m

±5, ±15 µm/m

±3, ±5 µm/m

±3, ±5 µm/m

Non-linearity *±3 µm/m±3 µm/m±3 µm/m±3 µm/mBaseline error≤ ±0.75 µm/50 mm (typical) ≤ ±0.75 µm/50 mm (typical) ≤ ±0.30 µm/10 mm≤ ±0.30 µm/10 mm

Measuring length ML

20 000 mm

1920 mm **Reference marks

Standard: 50 mm equidistant / Position selectable by customer / Distance-coded on request

Mass

17 g/m-6* At 20 °C

CONFORMITIES AND CERTIFICATIONS
RoHS

2011/65/EU, 2015/863/EU

EMV

2014/30/EU

Product-Certifications

UL, CSA, EN, IEC 61010-1

08

MS 15 GK-6

20 000 mm
90 g/m + 2 g clamping

MS 15 BK

-63140 mm
55 g/m57 g/m** Longer lengths on request

www.rsf.at

MS 15 MK Steel tape scale with adhesive tape

Dimensions, mounting tolerances:

Tape mounting tool TMT MS 15 MK (optional)
For safe and precise mounting of the steel tape scale.
 Mount TMT MS 15 MK instead of the MS 15 scanning head.
 Thread steel tape scale (version MK) and move along the scale length Remove TMT MS 15 MK, mount MS 15 scanning head.

09

MS 15 MP Steel tape scale in aluminum carrier
with clamping element
 Clamping element bolted
 Carrier with adhesive tape

Dimensions, mounting tolerances:10

www.rsf.at

MS 15 GK, BK
 GK: Glass scale with adhesive tape
 BK: Glass ceramic scale with adhesive tape

Dimensions, mounting tolerances:

11

REFERENCE MARK (RI)- AND SWITCH POINTS-SELECTION
Reference mark (RI)-selection
Selected reference mark is activated

RI-activation sticker

NOTE≥ 16.5

Min. distance between RI-activation sticker and activation tape S1
2

Cover reference mark not allowed≥ 13.5
Min. distance between reference mark and activation tape S1

MS 15 BK, GK and MK selection of the switch points
S2 = Switch point signal S2 from beginning of ML
X2L = Activation tape length
X2L = S2 + 19.5

S1 = Switch point signal S1 before end of ML
X1R = Activation tape length
X1R = S1 + 9

EXAMPLES2: 20 mm from beginning of ML  X2L = 39.5 mm
S1: 20 mm before end of ML X1R = 29 mm
S2

S1

20

20

22

19.5

X1R

X2L

MS 15 MP selection of the switch points
S2 = Switch point signal S2 from beginning of ML
X2L = Activation tape length
X2 L= S2 + 24.5

S1 = Switch point signal S1 before end of ML
X1R = Activation tape length
X1R = S1 + 8

EXAMPLES2: 80 mm from beginning of ML  X2L = 104.5 mm
S1: 15 mm before end of ML X1R = 23 mm
S2

S1
15

80

22
X2L
12

19.5

X1R

www.rsf.at

INSPECTION OF FUNCTIONSSTATUS OF LED

INFORMATIONNOTE LED displays GREENCounting signals very good

After successful mounting LED blinks GREENCounting signals goodAt mounting not allowed  allowed during operation

 LED blinks RED

Counting signals out of tolerance  error

Check mounting, clean graduation carrier

Without external test box
Function-control main track

Function-control reference impulse RI

Only by passing the reference mark

 LED blinks BLUE

RI within tolerance LED blinks RED

RI out of tolerance

Check mounting, clean graduation carrier

Scanning head supplied with power

Evaluation of counting signals via LED not active

With external test box
Function-control main track LED displays GREEN
Function-control reference impulse RI

Only by passing the reference mark

 LED blinks BLUE

RI within tolerance LED blinks RED

RI out of tolerance

Check mounting, clean graduation carrier

Note! If the scanning head passes a further reference mark within 0.5 s the information of the reference mark will not be stated by the function control.
Thus the information of the incremental signals will also be displayed at high traversing speed and/or many reference marks.

13

EXTERNAL TESTING DEVICE PWT 101
Even though the MS 15 linear encoders allow large mechanical mounting
tolerances, it is recommended to control the function of counting signals
and reference impulse.
The signals can be controlled directly via the integrated LED functioncontrol or connected to an oscilloscope and checked for conformity withsignal specifications. The last mentioned method requires some effort.
The PWT 101 is a testing device for checking the function and adjustment of
RSF Elektronik encoders. At encoders with pin assignment according to RSF
standard (compare page 05) the pinout adapter PA2 must be used additionally.
At alternative pin assignments other pinout adapters could be necessary.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and robust design, the PWT 101 is ideal
for mobile use. A 4.3-inch touchscreen provides for display and operation.

Available functions

The performance range of the PWT 101 can be expanded by firmware
update. Appropriate firmware files that can be imported to the PWT 101
through a memory card (not included in delivery) will be made available atwww.heidenhain.de.

14www.rsf.at

FURTHER PRODUCTS

MCR 15 | MCS 15

MSR 15 | MSS 15

MSR 45

MC 15

MS 25

MS 45

Absolute modular angle encoders
with small dimensions
  Diverse serial interfaces
 Status display directly at thescanning head via LED function
 Easy mounting as a result oflarge mounting tolerances High insensitivity against
contaminations
 Possible drum diameter (TTR):
50.00 mm to 350.23 mm (outside) Possible scanning diameter (MBR):
59.93 mm to 350.23 mm (outside) Steel tape scale (MSS) from Ø 75 mm

Absolute linear encoders
with status display
 Divers serial interfaces
 Status display directly at
the scanning head via LED function
 Easy mounting as a result oflarge mounting tolerances High insensitivity against
contaminations
 Max. measuring length
Steel tape scale: 10 000 mm

Incremental modular angle encoders
with small dimensions
 Quality of the scanning signals isdirectly visible at the scanninghead via a tricolored LED function
 Easy mounting as a result oflarge mounting tolerances High insensitivity against
contaminations
 Possible drum diameter (TTR):
50.00 mm to 350.23 mm (outside) Possible scanning diameter (MBR):
59.93 mm to 350.23 mm (outside) Steel tape scale (MSS) from Ø 75 mm

Exposed linear encoder withand without integrated mounting control
 Easy mounting; no test box
or oscilloscope needed Quality of the scanning signals isdirectly visible at the scanning head
via a tricolored LED function
 Two independent switch tracks
for individual special functions
 Position of reference markselectable by customer
 High insensitivity against
contamination
 High permissible traversing speed
 Integrated subdividing:up to times 200
 Max. measuring length
Glass scale: 3140 mm
Steel tape scale: 20 000 mm

Modular angle encoders
with steel tape scale various versions
 Full-circle or segment version
 Grating period: 200 µm
 Accuracy of the grating(stretched): ±30 µm/m
 High permissible
rotational speed resp.
circumferential speed
 Integrated subdividing:up to times 100
 Possible diameter:
Full-circle from Ø 146.99 mm
Segment from Ø 150 mm

Exposed scanning linear encoders
with integrated mounting control
 Easy mounting; no test box
or oscilloscope needed Quality of the scanning signals isdirectly visible at the scanninghead via a tricolored LED function
 Flat dimensions
 Easy mounting due to large
mounting tolerances High insensitivity against
contamination
 High permissible traversing speed
 Integrated subdividing:up to times 100
 Max. measuring length:
Steel tape scale: 30 000 mm

15

DISTRIBUTION CONTACTS
AUSTRIARSF Elektronik Ges.m.b.H.

A-5121 Tarsdorf 93+43 62 78 81 92-0
+43 62 78 81 92-79

e-mail: info@rsf.at
internet: www.rsf.at

BELGIUM

HEIDENHAIN NV/SA

Pamelse Klei 47
1760 Roosdaal+32 (54) 34 3158
+32 (54) 34 3173

e-mail: sales@heidenhain.beinternet: www.heidenhain.be

FRANCEHEIDENHAIN FRANCE sarl2 Avenue de la Christallerie
92310 Sèvres

+33 1 41 14 30 00+33 1 41 14 30 30

e-mail: info@heidenhain.fr
internet: www.heidenhain.fr

GREAT BRITAINHEIDENHAIN (GB) Ltd.

200 London Road
Burgess Hill
West Sussex RH15 9RD+44 1444 247711+44 1444 870024

e-mail: sales@heidenhain.co.uk
internet: www.heidenhain.co.uk

ITALY

HEIDENHAIN ITALIANA S.r.l.

Via Asiago, 14
20128 Milan+39 02 27075-1+39 02 27075-210

e-mail: info@heidenhain.it
internet: www.heidenhain.it

NETHERLANDSHEIDENHAIN NEDERLAND B.V.

Copernicuslaan 34
6716 BM EDE+31 318-581800+31 318-581870

e-mail: verkoop@heidenhain.nl
internet: www.heidenhain.nl

SPAIN

FARRESA ELECTRONICA S.ALes Corts 36-38
08028 Barcelona+34 93 4 092 491+ 34 93 3 395 117

e-mail: farresa@farresa.es
internet: www.farresa.es

SWEDENHEIDENHAIN Scandinavia AB

Storsätragränd 5
SE-12739 Skärholmen+46 8 531 933 50+46 8 531 933 77

e-mail: sales@heidenhain.seinternet: www.heidenhain.se

SWITZERLAND

HEIDENHAIN (SCHWEIZ) AG

Vieristrasse 14
8603 Schwerzenbach+41 44 806 27 27+41 44 806 27 28

e-mail: verkauf@heidenhain.chinternet: www.heidenhain.ch

CHINA

DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN(CHINA) Co., Ltd

Tian Wei San Jie, Area A,
Beijing Tianzhu Airport Industrial Zone
Shunyi District, Beijing 101312+86 10 80 42-0000

e-mail: sales@heidenhain.com.cn
internet: www.heidenhain.com.cn

ISRAELMEDITAL Hi-Tech

36 Shacham St., P.O.Box 7772
4951729 Petach Tikva+972 0 3 923 33 23+972 0 3 923 16 66

e-mail: avi@medital.co.il
internet: www.medital.co.il

JAPAN

HEIDENHAIN K.K.

Hulic Kojimachi Bldg.,
9F 3-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, 102-0083+81 3 3234 7781
+81 3 3262 2539

e-mail: sales@heidenhain.co.jp
internet: www.heidenhain.co.jp

KOREA

HEIDENHAIN LTD.

75, Jeonpa-ro 24beon-gil,
Manan-gu, Anyang-si
14087 Gyeonggi-do+82 31 380 5200
+82 31 380 5250

e-mail: info@heidenhain.co.kr
internet: www.rsf.co.kr

SINGAPORE

HEIDENHAIN PACIFIC PTE LTD.

51, Ubi Crescent
408593 Singapore+65 67 49 32 38+65 67 49 39 22

e-mail: info@heidenhain.com.sg
internet: www.heidenhain.com.sg

TAIWANHEIDENHAIN CO., LTD.

No. 29, 33rd Road;
Taichung Industrial Park
Taichung 40768+886 4 2358 89 77+886 4 2358 89 78

e-mail: info@heidenhain.tw
internet: www.heidenhain.com.tw

USA

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION

333 East State Parkway
Schaumburg, IL 60173-5337+1 847 490 11 91

e-mail: info@heidenhain.com
internet: www.rsf.heidenhain.com

Corporate Head Quarters

Date 05/2023  Art. No.1118281-03  Doc. No. D1118281-09-B-01  Technical adjustments in reserve!

Linear and Angle Encoders
Precision Graduations
Ges.m.b.H.
A-5121 Tarsdorf +43 (0)6278 / 8192-0 

Certified acc. toISO 9001
ISO 14001+43 (0)6278 / 8192-79  e-mail: info@rsf.at  internet: www.rsf.at