Magnescale (Sony) Scale Pinouts
Sony Magnescale produces magnetic linear and rotary encoders with various output formats. This guide covers the common pinouts for Magnescale systems.
Standard Incremental Scales
Most common Magnescale linear scales with quadrature output:
9-Pin D-Sub Connector
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5V | Power supply positive |
| 2 | A+ | Phase A positive (RS422) |
| 3 | A- | Phase A negative (RS422) |
| 4 | B+ | Phase B positive (RS422) |
| 5 | B- | Phase B negative (RS422) |
| 6 | Z+ | Reference mark positive |
| 7 | Z- | Reference mark negative |
| 8 | 0V | Power supply ground |
| 9 | Shield | Cable shield |
High-Resolution Analog Scales
Magnescale analog output scales with sin/cos signals:
15-Pin D-Sub Connector
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5V | Power supply positive |
| 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 | 0V | Power supply ground |
| 9 | TEMP+ | Temperature sensor positive |
| 10 | TEMP- | Temperature sensor negative |
| 11-15 | Various | Additional functions or unused |
Absolute Encoder Systems
Magnescale absolute encoders with serial output:
Serial Interface Connector
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5V | Power supply positive |
| 2 | 0V | Power supply ground |
| 3 | CLK+ | Clock signal positive |
| 4 | CLK- | Clock signal negative |
| 5 | DATA+ | Serial data positive |
| 6 | DATA- | Serial data negative |
| 7 | REQ+ | Request signal positive |
| 8 | REQ- | Request signal negative |
| 9 | Shield | Cable shield |
Common Scale Series
LT Series (Linear Scales)
- LT10/LT20: Standard incremental scales
- LT30: High-accuracy incremental scales
- Resolution: 1µm, 0.5µm, 0.1µm
- Output: RS422 quadrature
LM Series (Magnetic Scales)
- LM10/LM15: Compact magnetic scales
- LM20: Industrial magnetic scales
- Resolution: 5µm, 1µm
- Output: TTL or RS422
SR Series (Rotary Encoders)
- SR50/SR70: High-resolution rotary encoders
- Output: Incremental or absolute
- Resolution: Up to 1 million counts per revolution
Signal Specifications
Incremental Quadrature
- Logic standard: RS422 differential or TTL single-ended
- Voltage levels: ±2V (RS422) or 0-5V (TTL)
- Maximum frequency: Up to 500kHz
- Phase relationship: 90° between A and B
Analog Sin/Cos
- Signal amplitude: ±1V differential typical
- Frequency range: DC to 100kHz
- Phase accuracy: ±1° typical
- Interpolation: Up to 4096x possible
Absolute Serial
- Protocol: Proprietary Magnescale format
- Data rate: Variable, up to 1MHz
- Resolution: Up to 24-bit absolute position
- Update rate: Typically 1-10kHz
TouchDRO Compatibility
Incremental Scales
- TDA-4xx: Full support for RS422 and TTL outputs
- DIY adapters: Supported with proper interface
- Setup: Standard quadrature configuration
Analog Sin/Cos Scales
- TDA-4xx: Supported with sin/cos firmware
- DIY adapters: Not supported (requires analog processing)
- Setup: Requires interpolation configuration
Absolute Encoders
- TDA-4xx: Limited support (check latest firmware)
- DIY adapters: Not supported (proprietary protocol)
- Alternative: Use Magnescale's own interfaces
Installation Notes
Magnetic Scale Mounting
- Maintain proper air gap (typically 0.5-1.5mm)
- Ensure scale and readhead are parallel
- Avoid magnetic interference sources
- Use non-magnetic mounting hardware
Cable Considerations
- Use Magnescale-specified cables when possible
- Maintain proper impedance for differential signals
- Keep cable runs reasonable (< 50m typical)
- Ensure proper shielding and grounding
Connector Variations
Standard Connectors
- 9-pin D-sub: Most incremental scales
- 15-pin D-sub: Analog and high-end scales
- Circular connectors: Industrial environments
Custom Connectors
- Proprietary types: Some specialized models
- Flying leads: OEM applications
- PCB connectors: Embedded systems
Troubleshooting
Signal Issues
- No signals: Check power, gap, and alignment
- Weak signals: Verify air gap and scale condition
- Noisy signals: Check shielding and interference
- Wrong direction: Swap A/B or sin/cos pairs
Mechanical Issues
- Inconsistent readings: Check scale mounting stability
- Missing counts: Verify proper air gap
- Temperature drift: Consider thermal compensation
Maintenance
- Keep scale and readhead clean
- Check mounting hardware periodically
- Verify air gap measurements
- Monitor signal quality over time