TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies Introduces Industry's First 125 C Multiturn Absolute Encoder With Built-in Module Integrator Chip.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- MUIC Simplifies Synchronization Between Motor Shaft Revolution-Count Module and Absolute Encoder, Lowers Manufacturing Costs up to 40 Percent

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced the industry's first 125 C multiturn absolute encoder that includes a built-in module integrator chip (MUIC). With its MUIC providing the interface, the AEAT-86AD module easily synchronizes with the Agilent AEAS-7000 plug-and-play absolute encoder to form a complete housed absolute-encoder solution. Absolute encoders are used in machines that need information about the position of components on power-up, before any motion occurs. Targeted applications include servo motors, robotics, machine tools and wafer handlers operating in harsh environments.

The combination of the Agilent AEAT-86AD series module and the AEAS-7000 absolute encoder features motor-shaft revolution-count capabilities up to 16,384 revolutions. Agilent absolute encoders use a modular approach to reduce the number of assembly steps to four, versus other approaches that require as many as eight. The encoder combination also dramatically reduces the number of components needed to produce a housed encoder from approximately 120 to as few as four, decreasing inventory, manufacturing and purchasing costs by as much as 40 percent. In addition, it reduces manufacturer design cycles by 50 percent by eliminating the need for multiple alignment adjustments with its plug-and-play feature.

"Agilent is the only supplier of modular absolute encoders with revolution-counting, and this multiturn module with a built-in MUIC makes assembly and integration even easier," said Chong Khin Mien, vice president of the Motion Control Products Division in Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group. "The AEAT-86AD series helps our customers simplify their supply chain and reduce their design cycles."

The overall dimensions of the combined AEAS-7000 encoder with an AEAT-86AD series module are 55 mm maximum diameter and 53 mm typical body height. This combination is ideal for creating a compact house absolute encoder. The AEAS-7000/AEAT-86AD combination is capable of combined resolution from 25 to 30 bits. The AEAS-7000 single-turn position resolutions range from 13 bits to 16 bits; the AEAT-86AD is capable of 12- or 14-bit revolution-count resolution and has an operating temperature range of -40 to +125 C. Four versions of the revolution-count module are available:

--The AEAT-86AD-LASC0 with 12-bit binary output

--The AEAT-86AD-LASF0 with 14-bit binary output

--The AEAT-86AD-LCSC0 with 12-bit gray code output

--The AEAT-86AD-LCSF0 with 14-bit gray code output

The 14-bit resolution versions are capable of counting up to 16,384 motor shaft revolutions; the 12-bit resolution versions are capable of counting up to 4,096. The combination of the AEAS-7000 and AEAT-86AD can provide 16 MHz serial data output for high-speed applications such as servo motors operating at up to 12,000 rpm. They also eliminate manual hunting for most- and least-significant bits (MSB and LSB), and limit codewheel misalignment errors to +/- 1 LSB.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Both the AEAS-7000 encoders and AEAT-86AD modules are available now through Agilent's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners. Pricing of the 30-bit resolution combination is $158 in 100-unit quantities.

Further information about Agilent's motion control products is available at www.agilent.com/view/motioncontrol.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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