Optical absolute encoder
Renishaw RESOLUTE
True-absolute open optical encoder on a 30 µm pitch scale that reports position at power-up without any motion. Offered in linear, partial arc, rotary and multi-DoF formats with a wide choice of drive-specific serial protocols.
Key specifications
| Outer diameter | 52–550 mm |
|---|---|
| Ingress protection | IP64 |
| Linear speed (max) | 100 m/s |
| Resolution (max) | 32 bit |
| Resolution (finest) | 1 nm |
| Accuracy | Linear scale up to ±1 µm/m (RELA30); RTLA30 ±5 µm/m; rotary RESA30 ±4.28 to ±0.41 arc sec system accuracy; REXA30 ±1 arc sec installed (≥100 mm ring) |
| Interface | BiSS C, BiSS Safety, FANUC, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ, Yaskawa |
Summarised in our own words from Renishaw plc's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3
Notes on this data
od_mm = rotary ring diameter (RESA30 52-550 mm; REXA30 52-417 mm). 32-bit rotary on BiSS C/Panasonic. Readhead 36 x 16.5 x 17.2 mm; IP64 (DRIVE-CLiQ interface IP67); operating 0 to +80 °C. SDE ±40 nm, jitter <10 nm RMS. Rotary up to 36,000 rpm (52 mm ring). Variants: Functional Safety (BiSS Safety), UHV, ETR (rotary). RXMA30 multi-DoF (1.5D) scale also offered. Linear scales RTLA30 up to 21 m, RSLA30 up to 5 m, RELA30 up to 1.7 m.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Renishaw plc. Renishaw and RESOLUTE are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a Renishaw part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These series from our supply network is the closest match on published figures.
Multi-turn absolute hollow-shaft capacitive encoder that holds position through power loss, so no re-homing.
| Published maximum | RESOLUTE | VLM |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 32 bit | 32 bit meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 100 m/s | — |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Other optical absolute encoder series
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