01
Position retained
Absolute multiturn feedback provides a coded shaft position rather than relying only on incremental pulses.
ifm · Mobile motion feedback
ifm Mobile Encoders
Measure wheel rotation, shaft position, steering angle, lifting position and other rotary motion on mobile machines using rugged magnetic absolute encoders. Select between standard CANopen feedback and safety-rated encoder routes according to the control function.
Magnetic sensingCANopenIP69K routesAbsolute multiturnSafety encoder route
RM900024-bitStandard CANopen absolute route
Safety family29-bitCurrent safety encoder family
ProtectionUp to IP69KModel / shaft dependent
SensingMagneticShock & vibration resistant
Mobile motion feedback
Rotary position and speed feedback engineered for harsh vehicle conditions
02
Robust sensing
Hall-effect magnetic technology reduces mechanical complexity and supports shock/vibration robustness.
03
Digital vehicle feedback
CANopen provides standardised integration into mobile controllers and distributed machine architectures.
04
Certified encoder family
Use the dedicated safety encoder family when the position/speed feedback is part of a safety-related function.
Applications
Encoders for reliable position and speed data
01
Wheel / axle rotation
Measure wheel rotation directly for speed calculation where slip and application conditions are understood.
02
Steering-angle feedback
Derive steering or turning angle from encoder position in mobile vehicles and automated systems.
03
Boom / crane / lift position
Use rotary feedback with the machine mechanism to derive lifting height or angular position.
04
Superstructure position
Monitor tipping bodies, rotary platforms, buckets and similar moving elements.
Magnetic multiturn technology
Hall sensing converts shaft rotation into absolute digital position
ifm describes its mobile/safety encoders as magnetic systems. Hall-effect sensing detects the orientation of a magnet on the shaft; processing electronics calculate shaft angle and multiturn position for digital transmission.
Fewer mechanical elementsMagnetic sensing supports a rugged package for mobile shock and vibration.
Absolute feedbackPosition is represented directly rather than reconstructed only from pulse counting.
CANopenStandard interface simplifies integration with current mobile controllers.
Harsh environmentCurrent mobile models include high-protection routes up to IP69K.
Current encoder routes
Standard and safety-rated feedback selection
STANDARD CANOPEN
RM9000
Current standard absolute multiturn CANopen encoder for rugged mobile feedback.
- 10 mm solid shaft
- 24-bit resolution
- IP67 / IP68 / IP69K
- M12 electrical connection
SAFETY CANOPEN
RM900S family
Safety-rated absolute multiturn encoder family for position and speed feedback in safety-related mobile functions.
- Current 29-bit family
- Solid and hollow-shaft variants
- Axial and radial M12 routes
- PL d safety architecture
| Family | Shaft | Connection / mounting | Protection | Typical route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM900S / RM902S | 10 mm solid | Axial / radial | IP67 / IP69K | Safety feedback |
| RM901S / RM903S | 12 mm hollow | Axial / radial | IP67 / IP69K | Safety feedback |
| RM904S / RM905S | 6 mm solid | Axial / radial | IP65 | Compact safety route |
| RM906S / RM907S | 12 mm hollow | Axial / radial | IP67 / IP69K | Alternative hollow-shaft safety route |
Safety-specific functions
Safety encoder features within a certified safety architecture
01
Integrated redundancy & self-monitoring
The safety encoder integrates redundant sensing and continuous self-monitoring for safety-related operation.
02
Position synchronisation in motion
Current safety encoder architecture supports position correction without interrupting operation where the application permits it.
03
CAN input and output
Compatible safety encoders/sensors can be connected in series to simplify field installation.
Important: encoder certification does not establish machine-level PL d by itself. Controller logic, communication, mechanics, fault reactions and validation remain part of the safety function.
Requirement capture
Inputs required to select the mobile encoder
MotionWheel, shaft, steering, boom, crane, lift or other rotary element.
SafetyStandard feedback or safety-related position/speed function.
ShaftSolid/hollow shaft, diameter and mechanical coupling.
ResolutionRequired angular / multiturn resolution and update needs.
NetworkCANopen and controller architecture.
EnvironmentIngress, temperature, vibration, shock and mounting exposure.