MINISCALE PLUS
Miniature Integrated Measuring System — MINISCALE PLUS · MSQscale · SAM
Ultra-compact linear measuring systems integrated into MINIRAIL / MINISLIDE MSQ
From incremental optical to absolute positioning, achieving micrometer accuracy in the smallest spaces
Miniature Integrated Measuring System Family
From incremental optical to absolute positioning, providing complete measurement solutions for miniature guideway systems
MINISLIDE MSQscale
Incremental with balls / analog or digital
- Guidance and measurement integrated into one design
- Based on MINISLIDE MSQ miniature slide
- Optical incremental measurement, 0.1 μm resolution
- Analog or digital interface modules available
- Ultra-compact, greatly simplifying assembly
MINISCALE PLUS
Incremental with balls / analog or digital
- Based on MINIRAIL miniature ball guideway
- Measurement directly during machining, reducing Abbe error
- Optical incremental, 0.1 μm resolution
- Designed for high speed and high acceleration
- 8 guideway widths (sizes 7–42)
- Plug & Play
SAM
SCHNEEBERGER Absolute Measuring System
- Absolute measurement, position known at power-on
- Supports BiSS/SSI and Sin/Cos interfaces simultaneously
- Sensor only 9.9 × 5.0 × 1.1 mm
- Scale laser-engraved on guideway surface
- Absolute accuracy < 2 μm (3-Sigma)
- Plug & Play, parameters stored in EEPROM
- Compatible with MINIRAIL sizes 5–42
| MSQscale | MINISCALE PLUS | SAM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement Type | Incremental | Incremental | Absolute |
| Measuring Principle | Optical | Optical | Optical (PRC + Incremental Interpolation) |
| Compatible Guideway | MINISLIDE MSQ | MINIRAIL | MINIRAIL |
| Resolution | 0.1 μm (standard) Optional 1 / 10 μm | 0.1 μm (standard) Optional 1 / 10 μm | 100 nm (0.1 μm) |
| System Accuracy | Long wave ±3 μm Short wave ±0.6 μm | Long wave ±5 μm/m Short wave ±0.6 μm | Absolute positioning < 2 μm (3-Sigma) |
| Repeatability | Unidirectional ±0.1 μm Bidirectional ±0.2 μm | Unidirectional ±0.1 μm Bidirectional ±0.2 μm | — |
| Output Interface | Analog / Digital | Analog / Digital | BiSS/SSI · ABZ · UVW · SPI · Sin/Cos |
| Homing Required | Yes (Incremental) | Yes (Incremental) | No (Absolute) |
| Application Scenarios | Ultra-compact slide measurement | High-speed miniature guideway measurement | Industry 4.0 · Medical Devices |
SAM — Precision in the Smallest Space
SCHNEEBERGER Absolute Measuring System — integrating guidance and measurement into a single system, built for Industry 4.0
SAM brings linear guideways into the digital world of Industry 4.0. This innovative solution integrates guidance and measurement into one system, supporting multiple interfaces including BiSS/SSI and analog Sin/Cos. The scale is laser-engraved directly on the guideway, achieving positioning accuracy better than 2 µm. The sensor measures just 9.9 × 5.0 × 1.1 mm — installable even on MINIRAIL size 5. Plug & Play design saves significant time and cost.
Custom Flexible Circuit Design
Flexible printed circuits (FPC) can be customized per application, connecting directly to the controller or via connection board. Customers freely decide whether a connection board is needed for maximum flexibility.
Smart Plug-In Connector
Sensor with micro-connector supports Plug & Play. Calibration parameters are stored in the sensor's built-in EEPROM, with signal conditioning (offset, amplitude, phase) supporting auto-calibration.
Smallest Integrated Absolute Sensor
Sensor measures just 9.9 × 5.0 × 1.1 mm. It detects absolute position optically (Pseudo-Random Code) combined with an incremental encoder for high-resolution position interpolation, achieving 100 nm linear resolution.
Guideway Laser-Engraved Scale
The scale is laser-engraved directly on the guideway surface — no additional scale tape needed. This eliminates traditional scale mounting errors and thermal expansion differences, ensuring long-term stable measurement accuracy.
MINISAM — All-in-One Solution
MINISAM is the smallest integrable measuring system, designed specifically for miniature guideways. All-in-One Plug & Play — no additional setup or adjustment needed, compatible with MINIRAIL sizes 5 through 42.
Supported Interfaces
Technical Documentation Center
Complete selection guides, dimension specifications, and installation instructions
MINISCALE PLUS
Miniature measuring system — paired with MINIRAIL
MSQscale
Miniature measuring slide — paired with MINISLIDE MSQ
MINISCALE PLUS Installation
Installation procedures, technical principles, signal commissioning
MSQscale Installation
Installation procedures, technical principles, signal commissioning
Peripheral Design Requirements
Mounting requirements, surface quality, reference height
Load Calculation
Rated loads, life calculation methods
Explore Miniature Measurement Technology
Complete electrical specifications, installation instructions, and selection guides are available in the Technical Documentation Center.