Heidenhain Compatible Scale Pinouts
Heidenhain scales use various connector types and signal formats. This guide covers the most common pinouts for Heidenhain and Heidenhain-compatible scales.
15-Pin D-Sub (Analog Sin/Cos Scales)
Used by LIF, LIP, LIC series and similar analog scales:
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UP | Power supply +5V |
| 2 | SIN+ | Sine signal positive |
| 3 | SIN- | Sine signal negative |
| 4 | COS+ | Cosine signal positive |
| 5 | COS- | Cosine signal negative |
| 6 | REF+ | Reference mark positive |
| 7 | REF- | Reference mark negative |
| 8 | UP | Power supply ground |
| 9 | SENSE+ | Sensing positive (if used) |
| 10 | SENSE- | Sensing negative (if used) |
| 11 | LED+ | LED supply positive (if used) |
| 12 | LED- | LED supply negative (if used) |
| 13 | TEMP+ | Temperature sensor positive |
| 14 | TEMP- | Temperature sensor negative |
| 15 | Shield | Cable shield |
9-Pin D-Sub (Incremental Quadrature)
Used by incremental Heidenhain scales:
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UP | Power supply +5V |
| 2 | A+ | Phase A positive |
| 3 | A- | Phase A negative |
| 4 | B+ | Phase B positive |
| 5 | B- | Phase B negative |
| 6 | Z+ | Reference mark positive |
| 7 | Z- | Reference mark negative |
| 8 | UP | Power supply ground |
| 9 | Shield | Cable shield |
12-Pin Circular Connector
Some Heidenhain scales use 12-pin circular connectors:
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UP | Power supply +5V |
| 2 | UP | Power supply ground |
| 3 | A+ | Phase A positive |
| 4 | A- | Phase A negative |
| 5 | B+ | Phase B positive |
| 6 | B- | Phase B negative |
| 7 | Z+ | Reference mark positive |
| 8 | Z- | Reference mark negative |
| 9-12 | Various | Additional functions or unused |
Compatible Scale Series
Analog Sin/Cos Scales
- LIF series: Incremental linear encoders with sin/cos output
- LIP series: Absolute linear encoders
- LIC series: Compact linear encoders
- Compatible brands: Renishaw TONiC, some Mitutoyo AT1xx
Incremental Quadrature Scales
- LS series: Standard incremental scales
- LB series: Sealed incremental scales
- Compatible brands: Many Chinese "Heidenhain compatible" scales
TouchDRO Compatibility
Analog Sin/Cos Scales
- TDA-4xx series: Full support with appropriate firmware
- DIY adapters: Not supported (require analog processing)
Incremental Quadrature Scales
- TDA-4xx series: Full support
- DIY adapters: Supported with proper wiring
Signal Specifications
Analog Signals (Sin/Cos)
- Amplitude: ±1V differential
- Frequency: Depends on scale movement speed
- Phase relationship: 90° between sin and cos
- Common mode: Typically 2.5V
Digital Signals (Quadrature)
- Logic levels: RS422 differential
- Voltage: ±2V to ±5V differential
- Rise time: Typically < 100ns
Wiring Considerations
- Use high-quality shielded cable
- Maintain proper impedance (120Ω for RS422)
- Keep cable lengths reasonable (< 100m for analog)
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding
Adapter Cables
Common adapter cables needed:
- 15-pin D-sub to TouchDRO connector
- 9-pin D-sub to TouchDRO connector
- 12-pin circular to D-sub adapter
- Custom cables for specific applications
Troubleshooting
- No signals: Check power supply and cable continuity
- Weak signals: Verify cable impedance and termination
- Noise issues: Improve shielding and grounding
- Wrong direction: Swap A/B or sin/cos pairs