Dunkermotoren Advances Motion Safety with AFS58 Functional Safety Encoder Launch
The technical core of the AFS58 is its high-resolution Sin/Cos output, which provides 2,048 pulses per revolution. Unlike standard digital incremental encoders that may suffer from signal quantization at low speeds, the analog nature of the Sin/Cos signal allows for sophisticated interpolation within the motor controller. This results in incredibly smooth velocity control and sub-arcsecond positional accuracy, making it an ideal candidate for multi-axis synchronized motion where even minor deviations can lead to mechanical interference or spoiled workpieces. The device supports a maximum operating speed of 6,000 rpm, ensuring it can keep pace with high-speed brushless DC (BLDC) motors without losing signal integrity or introducing latency into the closed-loop system.
Integration efficiency is a hallmark of this release. The AFS58 is specifically engineered for a "plug-and-play" experience with Dunkermotoren’s flagship BG66, BG75, and BG95 series motors. Traditionally, achieving functional safety on a drive axis required bulky external sensors or complex secondary feedback loops. The AFS58 streamlines this by utilizing a standardized 58 mm industrial housing and M12 connectors, ensuring that it fits into existing mechanical footprints while maintaining an IP-rated seal against dust and moisture. This mechanical compatibility allows machine builders to upgrade existing equipment to meet modern safety directives without a total redesign of the motor mounting bracketry.
Furthermore, the electrical interface is optimized for modern PLC and motion control architectures. Operating on a stable 5 V supply, the AFS58 delivers a high-fidelity signal that is resistant to the electromagnetic interference (EMI) often found in high-power industrial environments. This reliability is paramount for applications in material handling, medical technology, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), where a lost or corrupted encoder signal could result in catastrophic system failure. By combining predictive feedback quality with certified safety logic, Dunkermotoren provides a critical building block for the next generation of autonomous manufacturing cells and high-performance mechatronic systems.
Written by: Joshua TidwellJoshua Tidwell is a senior automation consultant with over 18 years of experience in mechatronics and motion control design. He has spent nearly two decades helping Tier 1 automotive suppliers and aerospace manufacturers implement certified safety protocols and high-efficiency drive systems across global production lines.