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Kollmorgen B-606-DD-99-TS-268
The B-606-DD-99-TS-268 is a high-resolution multi-turn absolute encoder from Kollmorgen’s B-600 encoder family, designed for direct mounting on Kollmorgen AKM/AKM2G series servo motors. The model code decodes as: B-606 (B-600 series, 60 mm flange) + DD (Differential Driver output — RS-422 / EIA-485 compatible) + 99 (high resolution variant, typically 2048 lines/rev × 4096 turns) + TS (Electrical interface: RS-422 differential) + 268 (Mechanical configuration: specific shaft coupling, housing, and mounting for AKM52/AKM63 motors). This encoder provides absolute position on power-up with no homing required.
Detailed content
Key Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-Turn Absolute, Optical, Glass Scale |
| Resolution (Single-Turn) | 2048 lines/rev (11-bit) |
| Resolution (Multi-Turn) | 4096 turns (12-bit) |
| Total Bits | 23 bits (11 + 12) |
| Accuracy | ±1 arc-second (typical) |
| Output Signal | RS-422 Differential (DD variant) |
| Update Rate | Up to 100 kHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 VDC ±5% (encoder side), 8–30 VDC (driver side) |
| Max Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Protection Rating | IP67 (with proper seal) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +85°C |
| Shaft Type | Hollow shaft with clamping hub (268 variant) |
| Weight | Approximately 0.25 kg |
Material Composition:
- Scale Disk: Borosilicate glass with chrome-on-glass pattern, hermetically sealed
- Housing: Stainless steel 303 (for AKM motor compatibility)
- Shaft: Hardened stainless steel 17-4PH
- Bearings: Ceramic hybrid (Si3N4 balls, stainless races) — maintenance-free
- Seals: FKM (Viton) O-rings for IP67 rating
- Electronics: Hermetically sealed hybrid module, potted with epoxy
Structural Features:
- Hollow shaft with spring-loaded clamping hub — mounts directly on motor shaft without set screw
- Compact 60 mm flange diameter — fits AKM52 and AKM63 motor frames
- 9-pin or M23 connector (TS variant) for differential signal output
- Index pulse (Z) output for reference mark
- Battery-backed position memory (typically 10+ years)
Working Principle:
The encoder uses a glass scale with a chrome pattern illuminated by an LED. A photodetector array reads the pattern and converts it into a digital position value. The multi-turn counter uses a combination of a gear reduction (mechanical) and an electronic counter to track absolute position across power cycles. The position is stored in non-volatile memory (battery-backed) so that on power-up, the exact absolute position is immediately available — no homing sequence required. The RS-422 differential output provides noise immunity up to 100 m cable length.
Advantages:
- True absolute position on power-up — eliminates homing time, critical for machines that cannot move to a reference at startup
- 23-bit resolution — 8.4 million counts per revolution × 4096 turns = 34+ billion unique positions
- Differential RS-422 output — immune to EMI, supports long cable runs
- Hollow shaft clamping hub — zero backlash, easy installation/removal
- IP67 rated — survives coolant splashes, dust, and washdown environments
- Battery-backed memory — position retained for 10+ years without power
Applicable Industries:
Robotics (joint position feedback), CNC machines (tool changer position), printing presses (register control), antenna positioning, medical devices, semiconductor handling, any application requiring absolute position without homing.
Installation Requirements:
- Press the encoder onto the motor shaft using the clamping hub — alignment tolerance: <0.02 mm TIR
- Do not use set screws — the clamping hub provides the retention
- Connect RS-422 signals: A+, A-, B+, B-, Z+, Z-, 5V, GND, Shield
- Terminate shield at drive end only
- Verify encoder ID is recognized by the drive (Kollmorgen drives auto-detect EnDat/Hiperface/BiSS, but RS-422 requires manual configuration)
Usage Precautions:
- Never exceed 10,000 RPM — glass scale will shatter at overspeed
- Do not apply axial loads to the shaft — the encoder bearings are rated for radial loads only (max 50 N axial)
- Replace the battery every 10 years or when position is lost on power-down (drive will flag a battery warning)
- The hollow shaft hub requires a minimum shaft diameter of 10 mm — verify motor shaft size before ordering
