POSITAL Precision Magnetic Encoders – Now Available with BiSS C Communications Interface
September 17, 2025
POSITAL’s new generation of IXARC magnetic absolute rotary encoders are now available with BiSS C communications interfaces. Encoders with this interface are ideal for commutation and position feedback in BLDC servo motors. Moreover, their excellent performance characteristics, compact size (36 mm diameter, 32 mm high), and low energy requirements make these IXARC encoders excellent candidates for complex, multi-axis motion control applications in areas such as robotics and medical equipment.
IXARC encoders with the BiSS C interface feature POSITAL’s latest TMR position sensing technology and microprocessors. These upgrades improve both resolution (up to 19 bits), dynamic response (up to 12,000 RPM) and energy efficiency. Multiturn variants feature a 32-bit rotation measurement range (over two billion revolutions). Rotation counters are self-powered, using Wiegand energy-harvesting technology. This eliminates the need for backup batteries or gear drive systems, significantly reducing maintenance requirements.
BiSS C (Bidirectional/Serial/Synchronous Continuous) is a high-performance interface that supports real-time communications between control devices and sensors/actuators in motion control systems. The interface also allows the controller to set operational parameters in slave devices. Communication is based on point-to-point RS-422 connections with the possibility of daisy-chaining several devices together for more efficient cable layouts. The BiSS C interface uses the same cabling components as the older SSI interface, simplifying upgrades. BiSS interfaces are based on non-proprietary standards, with support and licenses available at no charge from the non-profit BiSS Association e V.
Like other POSITAL encoders, the BiSS C enabled products are available in a wide range of mechanical configurations, with multiple options for housing and flanges, shaft type, and level of environmental protection. Their 36 mm housings will fit into the same mounting footprint as popular Size 15 resolvers. Unlike resolvers though, IXARC encoders offer multiturn absolute digital position measurements and eliminate the need for an A/D converter.
Finding the right IXARC sensor for a particular application is straightforward. The web site www.posital.com provides a powerful product finder tool that enables a customer to specify the product features required for each application, then quickly select the best available products.
About FRABA and POSITAL
POSITAL is a supplier of advanced industrial position sensors used in a wide variety of motion control and safety systems. The company is also an innovator in product design and manufacturing processes and a pioneer of Industry 4.0 (Industrial Internet of Things/IIoT), offering customers the benefits of built-to-order products combined with the price advantages of mass-production.
POSITAL is a member of the international FRABA group, whose history dates to 1918, when its predecessor, Franz Baumgartner elektrische Apparate GmbH, was established in Cologne, Germany to manufacture relays. Since then, the company has played a trendsetting role in the development of rotary encoders, inclinometers and other sensor products. POSITAL has a global reach with subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia along with a worldwide network of sales and distribution partners.
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POSITAL Explosion-Proof Rotary Encoders with UL Certification
POSITAL’s explosion-proof IXARC incremental and absolute rotary encoders have been certified as complying with UL requirements for operation in areas with hazardous levels of flammable gases, dust and fibers (Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C and D; Class II, Division 2, Group F and G; and Class III) These devices are ideal for oil and gas installations, chemical plants, woodworking operations, grain handling facilities and fabric production. Certification documents from UL cover multiple encoder configurations. These products have also been certified for compliance with the international ATEX and IECEx standards for Category 3 electrical products operated in Zone 2 and Zone 22 conditions.
