Heidenhain is expanding its third generation of absolute inductive rotary encoders with the ExI 11xx series, providing a single encoder safety solution for many industries such as packaging, automation and robotics. These new products are especially suitable for safety-related applications up to SIL 3, PLe, and Category 4. These applications involve high risks for the operator such as when they may interact with a robot. 

The ECI 1119 and EQI 1131 each feature an increased single turn resolution of 19 bits while the EQI 1131 can track 4096 (12 bits) revolutions. The ECI and EQI encoders showcase improved vibration specifications (400 m/s2 stator and 600 m/s2 rotor), as well as a more durable multi-turn gearbox, and an increased permissible axial motion of the shaft up to ± 0.4 mm. These encoders also have the advantages of previous bearingless, inductive encoders which include the non-contact design, resistance to contamination, no mechanical self-heating, and reduced sensitivity to radial runout. 

The ExI 11xx series joins the ExI 13xx encoders as the new generation of Heidnehain encoders that feature functional safety and improved robustness. These encoders offer a host of different safety related functions that can be upgraded even further with the implementation of safe control that supports the EnDat Safety Master.  These additional measures can be implemented independently of the control loop parameter. This allows the safety measures available to work directly with a controls safety module, without being affected by changes in control-loop parameters.