Superior Performance. World-Class Reliability. Mercury II™ Encoders.

MicroE Systems revolutionized encoder technology with the original Mercury™ encoder family. Smaller, faster, and smarter than anything before, it set the standard for innovation. Now, with our expanding line of High Performance Encoders, the Mercury II™ series, we take another giant step forward by giving you all this, plus more performance, tape scales, dual limits, and more. Comprehensive testing and manufacturing to ISO9001:2008 quality standards makes for world class robustness and reliability. RoHS and CE compliant.

Specifications and Downloads

Performance without Compromise
Mercury II’s encoder technology achieves the highest resolution and accuracy in its class, with low cyclical error, low jitter, smaller sensors, and lower power consumption. Mercury II’s low cyclical error surpasses every other 20μm encoder. The benefits are smoother velocity control for linear motors, stages and wire bonders; more precise, faster linear positioning; and more.

PurePrecision Scales — Easy Installation, Superior Performance

Tape and Glass Scales for Mercury II Encoders

Tape Scales

PurePrecision tape scales are easy to install and use. Cut it to any length you need from a coil, or order pre-cut lengths with built-in index and limits to make installation even faster. Its adhesive backing makes application easy and accurate.

• Measuring length up to 30m
• Smallest tape scale system available: only 6mm wide, including index and limits - less than 1/2 the width of other encoder systems (comparison shown at left)
• Choose Marker Tape with built-in optical index and limit markers for fast, one-step installation or use cut-to-length Laser Tape with place-anywhere stick-on optical index and limit markers
• 20μm pitch

Glass Scales

Use linear glass scales for the highest accuracy and precise thermal management. Rotary glass scales are available with or without hubs, and in arc segments.

• Measuring length up to 1m
• High accuracy: up to ±1μm
• Compact: only 6mm wide, including index and limits (applications ≤130mm)
• Custom options: special widths, thicknesses, near-zero CTE materials, diameters, or rotary arc segments
• 20μm pitch

Unsurpassed Ease of Use

• Broadest Alignment Tolerances: With the broadest alignment tolerances in the industry, a full ±2 degrees, Mercury II is the easiest and the fastest sensor to align and setup. You can align the Mercury II sensor in under 30 seconds.
• Setup LEDs: No oscilloscope needed!
• Cut-to-Length Tape Scale: PurePrecision™ Tape Scale’s cut-to-length capability reduces inventory costs and lead times. The unique dispenser makes handling and storage easy. You can also order pre-cut lengths.
• Built-in or Stick-on Optical Index and Limits: Order tape or linear glass scales with built-in markers for fastest installation, or install stick-on index and limit markers anywhere on cut-to-length tape scales. Limits are available on MII 6000 & MII 5000 models.
• SmartPrecision II Software: Optional software for setup, data plots, diagnostics, and programmable features (MII 6000 and MII 5000 models).

Robustness without Compromise

• Advanced Optical Design and Automatic Gain Control: reduces sensitivity to dust and fingerprints on the scale
• Separate Left and Right Limits (MII 6000 & MII 5000 Models)
• High Noise Immunity: double-shielded cables and differential outputs

Advanced Sensor Design
Mercury II’s advanced sensor design results in smaller sensors, resulting in faster, more compact motion systems. Plus, one sensor works with all scales: tape or glass, linear or rotary.