SMAX & SMAZ absolute encoders: the low-cost LVDT alternative

SMAX & SMAZ are the full-feature and high-performance absolute linear encoders able to compete on price even with common potentiometers!

SMAX & SMAZ ensure up to IP69K protection and can safely operate in the harshest environments.

• Cost-effective contactless magnetic encoders

• Fully encapsulated, up to IP69K protection

• SSI, Modbus/RS-485 and analogue interfaces

• Measuring length up to 1250 mm / 49.2”

SMAX & SMAZ are the magnetic absolute encoders from Lika Electronic engineered to measure short linear displacements up to 1250 mm / 49.2” in typical industrial applications and even in the harshest environments such as in utility vehicles, valve actuators, telescopic systems and hydraulic pistons (outriggers, stabilizing slides, telescopic cranes, booms of mobile equipment...), industrial trucks and forklifts, man-lifts, scissor lifts and loading platforms.

They combine a variety of valuable benefits with the lowest price.

The robust housing in eco-friendly Macromelt® hermetically encapsulates the magnetic sensor and the circuitry and provides high IP68/IP69K protection to withstand the most aggressive industrial environments. Thus the sensor is unaffected by dust, dirt, moisture, water, oil, grease as well as safe from UV-radiation and marine environmental conditions. Furthermore the thermoplastic shell efficiently protects the circuitry from vibration fatigue, mechanical stresses, shocks and vibration impacts. The advanced magnetic sensing technology allows for non-contact measuring principle. This guarantees steady and virtually wear- & maintenance-free operation along with unparalleled reliability over time and longer operating life. They are easy to mount thanks to the large tolerance up to 2 mm / 0.08”.

The absolute position information is provided via SSI, Modbus RTU or analogue interfaces.

SSI interface provides the absolute information with a resolution up to 0.1 mm (0.004”) via MSB Aligned protocol.

Modbus RTU RS-485 serial interface is in compliance with “Modbus over Serial Line” protocol. It offers device-to-device communication and complete configuration through extensive parametrization such as scaling, watch dog and full diagnostics. The resolution is fully programmable between 0.1 and 1.25 mm (0.004” ÷ 0.05”).

Analogue interface is also available in both 4-20mA current output and 0-10V voltage output and implements the TEACH-IN procedure: it greatly eases the configuration and allows to scale the output range over the axis travel by simply setting the start and stop points.

All versions further encompass a status LED for visual diagnostic information.

SMAX & SMAZ encoders are equipped with a magnetically encoded absolute tape which is highly immune to dirt and external contaminants and can be easily applied / removed via a pre-applied self-adhesive backing. SMAX must be paired with the MTAX tape for a maximum measuring length of 600 mm / 23.6”; SMAZ must be paired with the MTAZ tape for a maximum measuring length of 1250 mm / 49.2”.