Frictionless Rotary Encoder VLS-140 | Contactless Precision

VLS-140

The Netzer VLS-140 absolute rotary encoder achieves up to 23-bit resolution with 0.006 Degree accuracy in an ultra-thin (<7 mm), lightweight (<80g) form. Utilizing contactless capacitive sensing, it ensures exceptional reliability and stability for long-term applications in space exploration, vacuum robotics, and precision metrology. Designed for minimal contamination and maximum integration flexibility, the VLS-140 meets the highest standards of aerospace and cleanroom technology.

The Netzer VLS encoder family is already integrated in mission-critical optical communications: Acquisition, Pointing & Tracking (APT), Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs), Free-Space Optical (FSO) links, Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), and Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs). With compact, lightweight, hollow-shaft designs and excellent repeatability, VLS encoders enable accurate beam steering, quick lock-on, and reliable long-duration tracking.

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Features

COTS space-tested for precision in satellite and aerospace applications
Extreme accuracy exceeding 0.006 degrees precision
Optimized hollow shaft for enhanced dynamic response
Designed for high resistance to EMI and RFI disruptions
Reliable long-term performance with durable construction
Enhanced stability with temperature drift compensation

Unique Values

Space tested
High precision
Hollow Shaft
Wide mounting

OD

140 mm
ID

90 mm
Height

7 mm
Weight

80 gr
Resolution

17-23 bit
Accuracy

±0.006°˚

Technical Data

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General

Angular resolution 17-23 bit
Nominal position accuracy ±0.006°
Repeatability 0.7 mdeg / 2.5 Arcsec
Maximum operational speed 2,000 rpm
Measurement range Single Turn Absolute with optional shaft turn counter
Built In Test BIT Optional
Rotation direction Adjustable CW/CCW (Default same direction from bottom side of the encoder)

Mechanical

Allowable mounting eccentricity ±0.15 mm
Allowable axial mounting tolerance ±0.3 mm
Rotor inertia 88,500 gr · mm²
Total weight 80 gr
Outer Ø /Inner Ø / Height 140 / 90 / 7 mm
Material (stator / rotor) Polyimide
Nominal air gap (stator, rotor) 1 mm

Electrical

Supply voltage 5V ±5%
Current consumption ~100 mA
Interconnection Cable (standard 250mm)
Communication SSi / BiSS-C
Output code Binary
Serial output Differential RS-422
Clock frequency 0.1- 5.0 MHz
Position update rate 35 kHz (Optional - up to 375 kHz)

Environmental

EMC IEC 6100-6-2, IEC 6100-6-4
Operating temperature range -40°C to +105°C (Optional -55°C to +125°C)
Storage temperature -55°C to +125°C
Relative humidity 98% Non condensing
Shock endurance / functional 100g 6msec saw-tooth per IEC 60068-2-27:2009 40g 11msec saw-tooth per MIL-810G
Vibration functional 7.7grms @ 20 to 2000 Hz per MIL-810G Category 24
Protection Parylene conformal coating: improved low outgassing, reduces Tin Whiskers risk.
Low out-gassing TML < 1%, CVCM < 0.1%
Radiation tested for TID = 30KRAD. SEE 1E11 p/cm²/s protons @200MeV

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OD
- 25 mm (ID - 2.2 mm)
- 59.7 mm (ID - 25 mm)
- 80 mm (ID - 35 mm)
- 100 mm (ID - 48 mm)
- 140 mm (ID - 90 mm)
- 170 mm (ID - 110 mm)
- 247.7 mm (ID - 171.4 mm)
Communication
- BiSS
- SSi
Resolution
- 17 bit
- 18 bit
- 19 bit
- 20 bit
- 21 bit
- 22 bit
- 23 bit
BIT
- Disabled
- Enabled
Shaft-turn Counter
- 2,048
- 4,096
- 8,192
- 16,384
- 32,768
- None
Cable Type
- Jacket and shielded cable
- Shielded cable
- Wires only
- ESA Space Cable
Cable Length
- 250 mm Flying leads - 28AWG
- 500 mm Flying leads - 28AWG
- 750 mm Flying leads - 28AWG
- 1000 mm Flying leads - 28AWG
Rotor Type
- Hollow Shaft Encoder
- End Shaft - Single Screw VL25
- Shaft with Insert
Custom
- High Temperature