Renishaw Scale Pinouts
Renishaw produces high-precision linear and rotary encoders with various signal formats. This guide covers the most common Renishaw scale pinouts and connection methods.
TONiC Series (Incremental)
TONiC incremental linear encoders with quadrature output:
Standard 15-Pin D-Sub
| 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 | I+ | Index pulse positive |
| 7 | I- | Index pulse negative |
| 8 | 0V | Power supply ground |
| 9 | LED+ | LED supply positive (if used) |
| 10 | LED- | LED supply negative (if used) |
| 11-15 | N/C | Not connected or special functions |
RESOLUTE Series (Absolute)
RESOLUTE absolute encoders with BiSS protocol:
BiSS Interface Connector
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5V | Power supply positive |
| 2 | 0V | Power supply ground |
| 3 | MA+ | Master clock positive |
| 4 | MA- | Master clock negative |
| 5 | SL+ | Slave data positive |
| 6 | SL- | Slave data negative |
| 7 | Shield | Cable shield |
| 8-15 | Various | Additional functions or unused |
Legacy Linear Scales
Older Renishaw linear scales with various interfaces:
RGH Series (Incremental)
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5V | Power supply positive |
| 2 | 0V | Power supply ground |
| 3 | A | Phase A (single-ended or differential) |
| 4 | /A | Phase A complement (if differential) |
| 5 | B | Phase B (single-ended or differential) |
| 6 | /B | Phase B complement (if differential) |
| 7 | I | Index pulse |
| 8 | /I | Index complement (if differential) |
| 9 | Shield | Cable shield |
Signal Specifications
TONiC Series
- Logic standard: RS422 differential
- Voltage levels: ±2V to ±6V differential
- Maximum frequency: Up to 1MHz
- Resolution: 1µm, 0.5µm, 0.1µm, 0.05µm, 0.02µm
RESOLUTE Series
- Protocol: BiSS-C (bidirectional)
- Clock frequency: Up to 10MHz
- Resolution: Sub-nanometer capability
- Absolute position: No homing required
Legacy RGH Series
- Logic levels: TTL or RS422
- Voltage: 0-5V (TTL) or ±2V (RS422)
- Resolution: Typically 1µm or 0.5µm
TouchDRO Compatibility
TONiC Incremental Series
- TDA-4xx: Full support for quadrature output
- DIY adapters: Supported with proper level conversion
- Setup: Standard quadrature configuration
RESOLUTE Absolute Series
- TDA-4xx: Limited support (check latest firmware)
- DIY adapters: Not supported (requires BiSS protocol)
- Alternative: Use Renishaw's own readheads
Legacy RGH Series
- TDA-4xx: Good support for most models
- DIY adapters: Supported with appropriate interface
- Considerations: May need signal conditioning
Connector Types
Standard Connectors
- 15-pin D-sub: Most common for TONiC series
- 9-pin D-sub: Some incremental models
- Circular connectors: Industrial applications
- Flying leads: OEM versions
Specialized Connectors
- BiSS connectors: RESOLUTE series
- Proprietary types: Some legacy models
- Custom cables: May be required for specific models
Installation Considerations
Cable Requirements
- Use high-quality shielded cable
- Maintain proper impedance (120Ω for RS422)
- Keep cable runs reasonable (< 100m typical)
- Avoid electromagnetic interference sources
Environmental Factors
- Renishaw scales are precision instruments
- Protect from contamination and vibration
- Consider temperature effects on accuracy
- Ensure proper mounting and alignment
Troubleshooting
No Signal Issues
- Check power supply (5V ±5%)
- Verify cable connections and continuity
- Ensure proper scale installation and alignment
- Check for contamination on scale or readhead
Signal Quality Issues
- Verify cable impedance and termination
- Check for electromagnetic interference
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding
- Verify readhead gap and alignment
Accuracy Issues
- Check scale mounting and thermal expansion
- Verify proper calibration procedures
- Consider environmental compensation
- Ensure stable mechanical setup
Support Resources
- Renishaw technical documentation
- Application engineering support
- Calibration and service centers
- Training and education programs