The CH22 is an incremental magnetic encoder developed for linear position measurement in industrial motion systems. Combining magnetic sensing with incremental signal output, it provides a practical feedback solution for equipment requiring precise movement, long travel, and reliable operation. This article covers the CH22’s main features, technical specifications, and typical applications to help engineers understand where it fits within an automated system.

What Is the CH22 Incremental Magnetic Encoder?

The CH22 is an incremental magnetic grid encoder used to measure linear movement and provide position information to a motion control system. It consists of a readhead and magnetic scale. As the axis moves, the readhead detects changes in the magnetic pattern and converts them into electrical signals that represent displacement and direction.

Smartwin CH22AX05A incremental magnetic encoder readhead and magnetic scale

The encoder provides ABZ differential output, with the A and B channels used to determine movement and direction, while the Z channel provides a reference signal. Through this incremental measurement method, the controller can continuously track changes in the axis position during operation.

Key Features of the CH22 Magnetic Encoder

The CH22 is built for linear motion systems that need a balance of measurement detail, speed, travel range, and practical installation. Its magnetic sensing design supports both precision motion and long-axis measurement while remaining suitable for demanding industrial conditions.

1.1.0 μm Resolution for Detailed Position Feedback

At 1.0 μm resolution, the CH22 can distinguish very small increments of linear displacement and provide the controller with detailed information as the axis moves. This is valuable in processes where small position changes need to be detected accurately during motion. Resolution defines the measurement increment of the encoder and is therefore evaluated separately from positioning accuracy.

2.Stable Positioning and Repeatability

The CH22 specifies ±5 μm/m positioning accuracy after 25°C compensation and ±2.5 μm repeatability. Positioning accuracy indicates the measurement deviation over travel, while repeatability shows how consistently the encoder reports the same position during repeated movements. Together, these values give engineers a clearer picture of performance than resolution alone.

3.Up to 5 m/s Response Speed

For equipment with rapid axis movement, the CH22 supports response speeds of up to 5 m/s. It can follow high-speed linear travel while continuing to deliver incremental position signals to the controller, making it well matched to automated processes with fast transfers, frequent movement, and short operating cycles.

4.Up to 50 m Effective Detection Length

A measuring range of up to 50 m gives the CH22 a clear advantage in long-stroke installations. The same encoder system can cover extended axis travel without restricting measurement to a short positioning stage, providing continuous position detection across large machines, long production lines, or other equipment with widely spaced working positions.

5.Flexible Installation in Industrial Environments

Real machine installations often involve limited mounting space, varying alignment conditions, and exposure to contaminants. The CH22 offers good tolerance for the operating gap between the readhead and magnetic scale, allowing more flexibility during setup. Because position is detected magnetically, the system is also better suited to environments with dust, oil contamination, and vibration, where maintaining clean sensing conditions may be difficult.

CH22 Incremental Magnetic Encoder Specifications

The main specifications of the CH22 provide a quick reference for evaluating its measurement range, motion capability, and compatibility with a linear motion system.

CH22 specification table with resolution accuracy and response speed

SpecificationCH22
Encoder TypeIncremental Magnetic Grid Encoder
Resolution1.0 μm
Positioning Accuracy±5 μm/m after 25°C compensation
Repeatability±2.5 μm
Maximum Response SpeedUp to 5 m/s
Effective Detection LengthUp to 50 m
OutputABZ Differential

Where Is the CH22 Magnetic Encoder Used?

The CH22 is used across industrial equipment that relies on controlled linear movement. Depending on the machine, it may support long-axis travel, repeated positioning, scanning, material handling, or coordinated processing, making it suitable for several types of automated production systems.

CH22 ordering information with readhead and magnetic grating ruler

1.Solar PV Equipment

Solar PV production lines often combine material transfer with multiple positioning and processing steps. The CH22 can be installed on these linear axes to monitor movement across the working range, particularly where equipment must travel between loading, processing, and transfer positions during continuous production.

2.SMT Equipment

Frequent and repeatable axis movement is common in SMT equipment, where components or working stages must move through tightly coordinated production cycles. Using the CH22 allows the control system to follow these displacement changes and maintain consistent motion as the machine moves repeatedly between programmed positions.

3.Precision Inspection Equipment

For precision inspection, the motion stage may carry a sensor, camera, probe, or workpiece through a defined measurement path. The CH22 measures the travel of the stage so that inspection points can be associated with the corresponding axis position, supporting repeatable scanning and measurement sequences.

4.Dispensing Equipment

Dispensing processes depend on synchronization between material delivery and the movement of the working platform. As the axis follows a programmed path, the CH22 supplies displacement data that can be used by the motion system to coordinate travel with dispensing operations, especially during repeated production cycles.

5.Industrial Automation Equipment

The CH22 also fits broader automation systems built around linear transfer, handling, positioning, and processing mechanisms. Its long measuring capability and magnetic sensing design are useful where axes extend across larger machine structures or operate in environments exposed to dust, oil, and vibration.

CH22 Incremental Magnetic Encoder FAQs

1. What type of encoder is the CH22?

The CH22 is an incremental magnetic grid encoder for linear position measurement. A readhead detects changes along the magnetic scale and converts the movement into ABZ differential signals, allowing the control system to determine displacement and direction during operation.

2. Is the CH22 suitable for long-travel linear axes?

Yes. With an effective detection length of up to 50 m, the CH22 can be configured for equipment with extended linear travel. When planning a long-axis installation, the required measuring length, mounting arrangement, readhead alignment, and cable routing should all be considered together.

3. Can the CH22 work in demanding industrial environments?

Its magnetic sensing principle is well suited to industrial equipment where dust, oil contamination, or vibration may be present. The system also offers good installation-gap tolerance, which provides additional flexibility when integrating the readhead and magnetic scale into the machine.

4. What should be checked before selecting the CH22?

Selection should be based on the actual requirements of the motion axis rather than a single specification. Engineers should confirm the required resolution and accuracy, maximum operating speed, travel length, ABZ interface compatibility, available mounting space, and installation conditions before choosing the encoder.

Conclusion

The CH22 provides a balanced combination of measurement performance, long detection range, high-speed response, and industrial adaptability. Its magnetic sensing design makes it suitable for linear motion systems across solar PV, SMT, inspection, dispensing, and general automation equipment.

Smartwin DD motor and linear motor manufacturing facility

Selecting the right encoder still depends on the actual travel length, speed, accuracy, interface, and installation conditions of the machine. Contact Smartwin to discuss your motion requirements and determine whether the CH22 incremental magnetic encoder is the right fit for your equipment.

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