Shaftless Encoder VLS-25 | Lightweight Absolute Design

VLS-25

The Netzer VLS-25 absolute rotary encoder is the smallest member of the VLS series, engineered for space and cleanroom applications demanding ultra-compact, high-precision motion control. With up to 21-bit resolution and 0.025 Degree accuracy, this ultra-thin (<5.8 mm), ultra-lightweight (<8g) encoder ensures long-term, wear-free reliability in vacuum and contamination-sensitive environments.

Its contactless capacitive sensing technology makes it ideal for satellite positioning, optical instruments, wafer-handling robots, and high-accuracy positioning systems in semiconductor manufacturing.

Netzer’s VLS absolute encoders are already proven in next-gen space and photonics systems—Acquisition, Pointing & Tracking (APT), Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs), Free-Space Optical (FSO) links, Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), and Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs). Engineers choose VLS for precise position feedback that enables accurate pointing, rapid target acquisition, and stable long-term tracking in demanding environments.

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Features

COTS space-tested for reliable performance in demanding environments
Exceptional repeatability with high-precision rotary feedback
Wear-free operation enabled by contactless capacitive sensing
Best-in-class accuracy through scaled precision technology
Superior resistance to magnetic interference and EMI
Built for long-term durability with minimal maintenance needs

Unique Values

Small Size
Wide mounting
High precision
Scaled Precision

OD

25 mm
ID

2.2 mm
Height

5.8 mm
Weight

8 gr
Resolution

17-21 bit
Accuracy

±0.025°˚

Technical Data

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General

Angular resolution 17-21 bit
Nominal position accuracy ±0.025°
Repeatability 2.7 mdeg / 9.9 Arcsec
Maximum operational speed 8,000 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 ±0.1 mm
Allowable axial mounting tolerance ±0.15 mm / ±0.2 mm using auto calibration
Rotor inertia 37.8 gr · mm²
Total weight 8 gr (including 250mm cable)
Outer Ø /Inner Ø / Height 25 / 2.2 / 5.8 mm
Nominal air gap (stator, rotor) 0.6 mm
Material (stator / rotor) FR4

Electrical

Supply voltage 5V ±5%
Current consumption ~90 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
Storage temperature -40°C to +105°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 IP 40

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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