WWW.BALLUFF.COM  •  1-800-543-8390
7
Micropulse Linear Position Transducer 
Absolute Quadrature Output 
Rod Style & Profile Style Housings
A
A
B
B
Z
Z
The Micropulse quadrature-output linear transducers 
produce an AB quadrature output signal.  The A and B 
channels are 90° out of phase depending on the direction of 
position travel.  In addition a programmable Z pulse can be 
set anywhere within the active stroke to represent a “home” 
or “zero” position.  The RS422/RS485 differential line driver 
provides each output, along with its complementary signal 
(A, A, B, B, Z, Z).
Absolute position information from the transducer is used 
to generate incremental position updates.  Any change in 
linear position causes the appropriate number of pulses to 
be delivered to the output.  In addition, the absolute position 
value can be delivered to the output at any time by using 
the STROBE input to create a “burst” of pulses that is equal 
to the absolute (relative to the “zero” point) position (see 
STROBE instructions below).
 
Operating Instructions
90° phase shift between A and B
In this example, B lags A by 90°,  
indicating FORWARD position change
 
Operating Modes
The Micropulse quadrature-output linear transducer is capable of operating in the following modes, which 
are selected via the ordering code (see pg. 10):
Free-Run Mode – In this mode, the transducer output updates at a periodic rate determined by the  
Update Rate parameter in the ordering code.  As long as power is applied to the transducer, the  
transducer provides a position output.  This is the most common mode of operation.
Note – Maximum allowable free-running update rate is limited by transducer stroke length.   
Use the following table to determine maximum permissible update rate:
Synchronous Mode – (ordering code Qxxx0) In this mode, the transducer synchronizes itself to an 
external controller via the STROBE input.  This mode can only be used in conjunction with motion control-
lers that support this function, e.g., Allen-Bradley IMC-S class controllers.  For more information, please 
consult factory.
Stroke Length (mm) Allowable Update Rates Ordering Code (see page 10)
< 1250 mm 1 ms, 2 ms or 4 ms Qxxx1, Qxxx2, or Qxxx4
1251 to 2500 mm 2 ms or 4 ms Qxxx2 or Qxxx4
> 2500 mm 4 ms Qxxx4