In November 2025, we will present our latest sensor solutions alongside its tried-and-tested sensors for angle, displacement, and inclination measurement at two of the most important trade fairs. Visit us at AGRITECHNICA from 9 to 15 November at stand D18 in hall 17, or at Smart Production Solutions (SPS) from 25 to 27 November at stand 342 in hall 7A, to see our innovations for mobile and industrial automation machines.
Our focus is on functional safety devices that comply with IEC 61508 and ISO 13849-1, offering SIL2 and SIL3 or PLd and PLe levels. Fully redundant rotary encoders with two independent systems are another solution for meeting the safety requirements of machine and plant manufacturers. These safety solutions form the core of TWK's business, and it is in this context that the new, versatile ring encoder has been developed. Based on an inductive measurement principle, the device is ideal for mounting on drive shafts with diameters of up to 150 mm and for routing cables or placing contact units in slip ring assemblies.
What makes it special is that it has two independent interfaces. On one hand, there is a very fast interface for transmitting position and speed data for motor feedback control via BISS-C, SSI, SIN/COS, etc., and on the other hand, there is an additional functionally safe interface for transmitting safe data to a safety PLC via PROFIsafe, FSoE or CANopen Safety. The rotor and stator can be used as electronic circuit boards or housed in sturdy aluminium or stainless steel housings with an outer diameter of up to 220 mm. It has a resolution of up to 22 bits and is resilient to magnetic interference fields and harsh environmental conditions, making it ideal for use in drive-by-wire applications.
Another highlight is the new model of cable pull sensor, which provides safe but also inexpensive length measurement. This compact, easy-to-use sensor is a bespoke solution with an integrated SIL2 safety encoder that outputs the position and speed of the cable via CANopen Safety. Thanks to the encoder's 14-bit resolution (16 bits available on request), the selectable measuring range of 1.5 to 8 metres is displayed in increments of 0.1 to 0.39 mm or better. This robust sensor is ideally suited to mobile applications.
The same applies to the highly compact SIL2/PLd kit encoder, which features a CANopen Safety interface. Due to its magnetic measuring principle, the magnet is positioned in front of the encoder within the application. This enables the encoder to be integrated into even the smallest spaces for the safe output of position (16-bit/360°) and speed.
One striking feature is the high-resolution rotary encoder with a continuous hollow shaft. Housed in robust aluminium or stainless steel with a diameter of 60 mm, it offers 23-bit resolution and an accuracy of ±145 µrad (±30 arcsec). Thanks to its extremely short latency of less than 1 µs, it boasts very low jitter in the position signal, which can be transmitted via BiSS-C or SSI. It is ideal for use in automation technology, medical technology and robotics.
For applications requiring particularly high levels of functional safety, SIL3/PLe-certified encoders are available in various designs (solid or hollow shaft) and sizes (58 mm or 90 mm diameter). Alternatively, there is a SIL3 encoder with a CANopen Safety interface from the compact and proven 42 mm family, offering 16-bit resolution. There is also a fully redundant single-turn encoder with a CANopen Safety interface. Its two independent SIL2 systems are built into a housing measuring less than 35 mm in diameter and length.
Contact us for personalised advice.
