Products: Fiber Optic Rotary Encoders

750 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320 USA
Tel: 805.499.0114 | Fax: 805.499.6585 | Email: sales@micronor.com

Micronor MR310/MR320 series are the only 100% Passive Fiber Optic Incremental Encoders on the market today. The innovative design is based on an all-optical, passive sensor linked to a remote interrogator module via a industry-standard fiber optic link. Features include:

Passive optical sensor eliminates need for remote power supply, isolation barriers and EX cabinets

Immune to EMI, RFI, lightning and ground loops

Standard temperature range -40°C to +80°C; Optional Extended temperature range -60°C to +150°C

ATEX categorized as "simple apparatus"

EX classified "inherently safe" for use in mines, oil rigs, petrochemical plants, etc.

Eliminates need and expense for isolation barriers, special EX cabinets, etc.

Provides interference-free encoder feedback over long distances

Outperforms resolvers and electronics-based encoders in challenging environments

The original MR310 series was launched in 2004 and granted U.S. Patent 7,196,320. Our product launch customer Frey AG uses the heavy duty MR316 sensor and MR310 interrogator for control of aerial cable cars installed in mountain resorts and cities all over the world. One of these is the Portland Tram in Portland, Oregon. In 2009, Micronor launched the first commercially-available, MRI-compatible encoder. In 2011, Micronor launched the second generation MR320 series of fiber optic incremental encoders.

Fiber optic encoders provide interference-free feedback in challenging environments such as mines, steel mills and oil rigs. The diagram below illustrates a typical application where the fiber optic encoder is used to provide noise-free, closed loop feedback for precise control of a VFD or High Voltage Drive system:

We recommend the MR320 series for new applications but the MR310 series is still available. For MR320 product info, scroll down or use these direct links:

MR320 Controller Module

Standard 360ppr Sensors: MR322 MR326

High Resolution 1024ppr Sensors: MR324 MR325

MRI-Compatible 360ppr Sensor: MR328

>>Article: Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder Offers EMI Immunity in Harsh Environments

The MR320 is the remote interface for the new 2nd Generation MR320 series ZapFREE® Fiber Optic Incremental Encoder System. The MR320 series Controller and Sensors are identical to the original MR310 series with the following enchancements:

User friendlier Duplex LC (push-pull) interface

Optical loss budget increased to 12.5dB

Encoder links up to 2.5 km

MR320 Controller Module offers multiple built-in interfaces for compatibility with PLC and motor drive systems:

Dual quadrature outputs: A/A'/B/B' line driver and A/B push-pull

Dual analog outputs (4-20mA and 0-10V); fully programmable for POSITION or SPEED

Programmable 24-bit POSITION COUNTER supports single or multiturn applications

MULTIPLIER/DIVIDER function drives separate A/B quadrature outputs

Built-in RS422/RS485 serial interface

Built-in Modbus-RTU interface

Built-in USB interface

Supports RS232 with optional MR232-1 adapter

All internal operating parameters are user programmable using supplied ZAPPY software

ATEX classified "intrinsically safe optical radiation" [Ex op is 55C/T6] per IEC 60079-28

Quick links for MR320 series Sensors:

Standard Sensors: MR322 MR324 MR326

MRI-Compatible Sensor: MR328

For application note AN112 on how to interface the MR320/MR330 Controllers to National Instruments LabVIEW, please click here.

To download the MR310/MR320 Controller's ZAPPY configuration software, please click here.

MR322 series Incremental Encoder offers 100-360ppr resolution in an industry standard Size 58mm encoder housing. The sensor is ideal for motor speed control and low resolution position monitoring. Like all of Micronor's fiber optic encoders, the MR322 is a passive sensor which is immune to EMI and is ATEX classified as a "simple apparatus" for use in all manner of hazardous locations and explosive environments. Standard temperate range is -40° to +80°C while the Extended Temperature option can operate over -60°C to +150°C.

How to choose the right fiber optic encoder for your application:

For general purpose applications, we recommend the MR322 series

For VFD or high voltage drive feedback, see MR324 series

For fiber optic annemometer applications such as underground mines, please contact Micronor sales for special low friction models with ceramic bearings

For heavy duty indoor/outdoor applications, see MR324 Hollow Shaft or MR326 Solid Shaft series

For MRI applications, goto MR328

If you need an absolute position sensor, go to MR330 series

MR324 High Resolution (1024ppr) Hollow Shaft Incremental Encoder is ideal for closed-loop feedback of variable frequency drives (VFD) and other high capacity/high voltage motor drives operating in challenging environments. The MR324 is a totally passive sensor, immune to EMI and can transmit interference-free over distances up to 2500 meters. An Extended Temperature option offers -60°C to +150°C operation.

For hazardous locations and explosive atmospheres, the passive optical sensor is ATEX classified as a "simple apparatus" - greatly simplifying installation and reducing cost versus conventional electronics-based encoders and resolvers. Typical applications include:

oil rigs, including top drives and draw works

steel mills and similar meltshop applications

mines, especially ideal for control of long conveyor systems

grain elevators and other hazardous dust atmospheres

MR325 High Resolution (1024ppr) Solid Shaft Incremental Encoder is ideal for closed-loop feedback of variable frequency drives (VFD) and other high capacity/high voltage motor drives operating in challenging environments. The MR325 is a totally passive sensor, immune to EMI and can transmit interference-free over distances up to 2500 meters.

oil rigs, including top drives and draw works

steel mills and similar meltshop applications

mines, grain elevators and other hazardous dust atmospheres

MR326 series is a heavy duty Size 90mm shaft sensor for heavy equipment applications with high bearing loads and requiring robust shaft seals. Features include:

IP66 ingress rating (resistant to powerful water jets)

Resolution options are 100, 128, 256 and 360 ppr

Optical link to MR320 Controller can extend up to 2500 meters

Temperature range options include Standard (-40°C/+80°C) and Extended (-60°C/+150°C)

Intrinsically safe - ATEX classified Simple Apparatus for use in mines and other haz locations

MR328 MRI Sensor is a non-metallic 360ppr version of the MR322 Sensor - developed specifically for applications requiring electromagnetic and RF transparency:

MRI facilities

EMC test labs

Anechoic chambers

Industrial applications operating under extreme electromagnetic fields

ZAPPY™ software is distributed with every MR310 and MR320 Controller and is designed to provide the user with a simple but power system configuration and diagnostics tool for the MR310/MR320 series Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder Systems. Initially, the program is used to pre-program MR310/MR320 parameters associated with various Auxialiary Functions, such as the mode and scale for setup of an analog output, etc. It is also used to verify system operation during installation, run diagnostics and facilitate system troubleshooting.

ZAPPY runs on Window 7, Vista or XP/SP3.
Current Version is 3.52

More information about ZAPPY and MR310/MR320 Controller operation can be found in the MR320_Technical_Manual

MR320 \| Controller Module for MR320 series Fiber Optic Incremental Sensors
	The MR320 is the remote interface for the new 2nd Generation MR320 series ZapFREE® Fiber Optic Incremental Encoder System. The MR320 series Controller and Sensors are identical to the original MR310 series with the following enchancements: User friendlier Duplex LC (push-pull) interface Optical loss budget increased to 12.5dB Encoder links up to 2.5 km MR320 Controller Module offers multiple built-in interfaces for compatibility with PLC and motor drive systems: Dual quadrature outputs: A/A'/B/B' line driver and A/B push-pull Dual analog outputs (4-20mA and 0-10V); fully programmable for POSITION or SPEED Programmable 24-bit POSITION COUNTER supports single or multiturn applications MULTIPLIER/DIVIDER function drives separate A/B quadrature outputs Built-in RS422/RS485 serial interface Built-in Modbus-RTU interface Built-in USB interface Supports RS232 with optional MR232-1 adapter All internal operating parameters are user programmable using supplied ZAPPY software ATEX classified "intrinsically safe optical radiation" [Ex op is 55C/T6] per IEC 60079-28 Quick links for MR320 series Sensors: Standard Sensors: MR322 MR324 MR326 MRI-Compatible Sensor: MR328 For application note AN112 on how to interface the MR320/MR330 Controllers to National Instruments LabVIEW, please click here. To download the MR310/MR320 Controller's ZAPPY configuration software, please click here.
	Downloads: datasheet \| manual \| drawing \| image \| CAD_Files \| ATEX_Declaration_Of_Conformity

MR322 \| ZapFREE® Size 58mm Incremental Encoder
	MR322 series Incremental Encoder offers 100-360ppr resolution in an industry standard Size 58mm encoder housing. The sensor is ideal for motor speed control and low resolution position monitoring. Like all of Micronor's fiber optic encoders, the MR322 is a passive sensor which is immune to EMI and is ATEX classified as a "simple apparatus" for use in all manner of hazardous locations and explosive environments. Standard temperate range is -40° to +80°C while the Extended Temperature option can operate over -60°C to +150°C. How to choose the right fiber optic encoder for your application: For general purpose applications, we recommend the MR322 series For VFD or high voltage drive feedback, see MR324 series For fiber optic annemometer applications such as underground mines, please contact Micronor sales for special low friction models with ceramic bearings For heavy duty indoor/outdoor applications, see MR324 Hollow Shaft or MR326 Solid Shaft series For MRI applications, goto MR328 If you need an absolute position sensor, go to MR330 series
	Downloads: datasheet \| manual \| drawing \| image \| CAD_Files \| ATEX_Declaration_Of_Conformity

MR324 \| ZapFREE® High Resolution (1024ppr) Hollow Shaft Incremental Sensor
	MR324 High Resolution (1024ppr) Hollow Shaft Incremental Encoder is ideal for closed-loop feedback of variable frequency drives (VFD) and other high capacity/high voltage motor drives operating in challenging environments. The MR324 is a totally passive sensor, immune to EMI and can transmit interference-free over distances up to 2500 meters. An Extended Temperature option offers -60°C to +150°C operation. For hazardous locations and explosive atmospheres, the passive optical sensor is ATEX classified as a "simple apparatus" - greatly simplifying installation and reducing cost versus conventional electronics-based encoders and resolvers. Typical applications include: oil rigs, including top drives and draw works steel mills and similar meltshop applications mines, especially ideal for control of long conveyor systems grain elevators and other hazardous dust atmospheres
	Downloads: datasheet \| manual \| drawing \| image \| CAD_Files \| ATEX_Declaration_Of_Conformity

MR325 \| ZapFREE® High Resolution (1024ppr) Solid Shaft Incremental Sensor
	MR325 High Resolution (1024ppr) Solid Shaft Incremental Encoder is ideal for closed-loop feedback of variable frequency drives (VFD) and other high capacity/high voltage motor drives operating in challenging environments. The MR325 is a totally passive sensor, immune to EMI and can transmit interference-free over distances up to 2500 meters. For hazardous locations and explosive atmospheres, the passive optical sensor is ATEX classified as a "simple apparatus" - greatly simplifying installation and reducing cost versus conventional electronics-based encoders and resolvers. Typical applications include: oil rigs, including top drives and draw works steel mills and similar meltshop applications mines, grain elevators and other hazardous dust atmospheres
	Downloads: datasheet \| manual \| drawing \| image \| CAD_Files \| ATEX_Declaration_Of_Conformity

MR326 \| ZapFREE® Size 90mm Heavy Duty Incremental Encoder
	MR326 series is a heavy duty Size 90mm shaft sensor for heavy equipment applications with high bearing loads and requiring robust shaft seals. Features include: IP66 ingress rating (resistant to powerful water jets) Resolution options are 100, 128, 256 and 360 ppr Optical link to MR320 Controller can extend up to 2500 meters Temperature range options include Standard (-40°C/+80°C) and Extended (-60°C/+150°C) Intrinsically safe - ATEX classified Simple Apparatus for use in mines and other haz locations
	Downloads: datasheet \| manual \| drawing \| image \| CAD_Files \| ATEX_Declaration_Of_Conformity

MR328 \| ZapFREE® Non-Metallic 360ppr MRI-compatible Incremental Sensor
	MR328 MRI Sensor is a non-metallic 360ppr version of the MR322 Sensor - developed specifically for applications requiring electromagnetic and RF transparency: MRI facilities EMC test labs Anechoic chambers Industrial applications operating under extreme electromagnetic fields
	Downloads: datasheet \| manual \| drawing \| image \| CAD_Files \| ATEX_Declaration_Of_Conformity

ZAPPY \| ZAPPY™ Configuration Software for MR310/MR320 Controllers
	ZAPPY™ software is distributed with every MR310 and MR320 Controller and is designed to provide the user with a simple but power system configuration and diagnostics tool for the MR310/MR320 series Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder Systems. Initially, the program is used to pre-program MR310/MR320 parameters associated with various Auxialiary Functions, such as the mode and scale for setup of an analog output, etc. It is also used to verify system operation during installation, run diagnostics and facilitate system troubleshooting. ZAPPY runs on Window 7, Vista or XP/SP3. Current Version is 3.52 More information about ZAPPY and MR310/MR320 Controller operation can be found in the MR320_Technical_Manual
	Downloads: : document \| ZAPPY_Software \| ZAPPY_Installation_Guide