AHS/AHM36 Absolute Encoder by SICK
Overview:
- Easy integration into various control environments with IO-Link, CANopen, and SSI interfaces.
- High resistance to harsh environments thanks to stainless steel housing design and IP69K protection (Inox versions).
- Ultra-compact 36 mm housing with maximum 26-bit resolution (singleturn: 14 bits, multiturn: 12 bits).
- Protection rating from IP67 to IP69K.
The AHS/AHM36 is SICK’s ultra-compact absolute encoder series with a servo flange design (Ø36 mm) for direct mounting on servo motors. The AHS36 is the singleturn version, while the AHM36 is the multiturn version, offering a maximum resolution of 14-bit singleturn × 12-bit multiturn (16,384 × 4,096). It supports SSI with a clock frequency of up to 2 MHz and an initialization time of only 100 ms for fast system startup. With an ultra-light weight of 0.12 kg and a moment of inertia of just 2.5 gcm², it is ideal for high-speed servo applications, compact robots, packaging machines, and medical equipment in Vietnam.
Technical Specifications of AHS/AHM36
| Group |
Parameter |
Value |
| Mechanical |
Design |
Singleturn / Multiturn |
| Shaft Types |
Solid shaft, Servo flange
Solid shaft, face mount flange
Blind hollow shaft
Special version |
| Shaft Diameter (Servo Flange) |
6 mm With flat
8 mm With flat
10 mm With flat
1/4″ With flat
3/8″ With flat
6 mm for adaption on 1.25 m wire draw |
| Shaft Diameter (Face Mount) |
6 mm With flat
8 mm With flat
10 mm With flat
3/8″ With flat
1/4″ With flat
10 mm With flat |
| Shaft Diameter (Blind Shaft) |
6 mm Front clamp
8 mm Front clamp
10 mm Front clamp
3/8″ Front clamp
1/4″ Front clamp |
| Connection |
Connector |
M12 4-pin / 5-pin / 8-pin (male) or pre-wired cable (4/5/8-core) |
| Interface |
Communication |
IO-Link / CANopen / SSI |
| Resolution (Singleturn) |
IO-Link (programmable) |
4,096 (12 bit) / 16,384 (14 bit) |
| CANopen (programmable) |
4,096 (12 bit) / 16,384 (14 bit) |
| SSI (non-programmable) |
360 / 720 / 512 (9 bit) / 1,024 (10 bit) / 2,048 (11 bit) / 4,096 (12 bit) / 8,192 (13 bit) / 16,384 (14 bit) |
| SSI (programmable) |
4,096 (12 bit) / 16,384 (14 bit) |
| Total Resolution (Multiturn) |
IO-Link (programmable) |
12 bit × 12 bit / 14 bit × 12 bit |
| CANopen (programmable) |
12 bit × 12 bit / 14 bit × 12 bit |
| SSI (non-programmable) |
8–14 bit × 12 bit (256 → 16,384 × 4,096) |
| SSI (programmable) |
13 bit × 12 bit / 14 bit × 12 bit |
| Programming |
Method |
PLC Engineering Tool / SOPAS / Dedicated programming tool |
Dimensions of AHS/AHM36
Wiring Diagram of AHS/AHM36
Applications of AHS/AHM36 in Servo Systems
With its ultra-compact Ø36 mm design and weight of only 0.12 kg, the AHS/AHM36 is the ideal solution for servo applications with limited installation space:
- Compact Robots and AGVs: The encoder mounts directly on the servo motor shaft of mobile autonomous robots (AGVs) and PCB-handling robots. The low moment of inertia (2.5 gcm²) enables fast servo response and reduced acceleration/deceleration time. The 2 MHz SSI clock ensures instantaneous position reading even at high speeds.
- Packaging and Printing Machines: Mounted on film winding shafts or heat-sealing rollers in food and pharmaceutical packaging machines. The high resolution (up to 14 bit × 12 bit) allows precise control of film tension and cutting position. The 100 ms initialization time ensures the machine is ready quickly after power-on.
- Medical Equipment: Installed on the motor shafts of endoscopes and robotic surgical systems. The lightweight 0.12 kg design adds minimal load to medical robot arms. IP65 (or higher) protection is suitable for sterile operating room environments.
- Textile and Embroidery Machines: Tracks the position of main shafts and yarn winding rollers in automatic textile machines. It withstands high angular acceleration up to 500,000 rad/s², handling the high-frequency vibrations from fast-moving needles. The bearing lifetime of 360 million revolutions ensures reliable long-term continuous operation.
AHS36 vs AHM36 Comparison – Which Encoder to Choose?
| Criteria |
AHS36 (Singleturn) |
AHM36 (Multiturn) |
| Position tracking |
Within one revolution |
Across multiple revolutions |
| Resolution |
Up to 14 bit (16,384) |
Up to 14 bit × 12 bit |
| Position retention after power loss |
No (resets to zero) |
Yes (battery-less) |
| Typical applications |
Printing machines, embroidery machines, rotary arms |
AGVs, packaging machines, medical robots |
*Note: If the servo motor only rotates within a range of less than 360° (e.g., printing machine rotary axis), choose the AHS36 to save costs. If the servo rotates continuously over multiple revolutions (e.g., film winding shaft on AGV), select the AHM36 to prevent position loss during power interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which servo motor brands is the AHS/AHM36 compatible with?
It is fully compatible with servo motors featuring Ø36 mm servo flanges, such as Panasonic A5/A6 series, Delta ASDA-A2, Mitsubishi MR-J4, and Yaskawa Sigma-7. The encoder mounts directly onto the motor flange with 4 × M3 screws — no adapter required.
What does a 2 MHz clock frequency mean?
A 2 MHz clock frequency allows the encoder to read a full position value (e.g., 24-bit) approximately twice as fast as standard 1 MHz SSI encoders. In practice, reading a 24-bit position requires about 26 clock pulses, resulting in roughly 77,000 position updates per second — ensuring the servo drive always receives the latest data for highly accurate closed-loop control.
Does the encoder require a coupling?
No coupling is strictly required. The AHS/AHM36 uses a servo flange for direct mounting on the motor. The encoder shaft connects to the motor shaft via a solid shaft coupling. SICK recommends using a flexible coupling if shaft misalignment exceeds 0.05 mm to minimize bearing wear.
Can the encoder withstand high temperatures?
Yes. The operating temperature range is –20 °C to +70 °C (standard version), suitable for most industrial environments in Vietnam.
*Note: At high speeds (>3,000 rpm), the encoder generates additional self-heating of approximately 3.5 K per 1,000 rpm — this must be factored into the total ambient temperature calculation.
Where to Buy Original AHS/AHM36?
AUMI is the official distributor of SICK in Vietnam, supplying the AHS/AHM36 with full CO/CQ certificates, original labels, and global warranty. We provide 24/7 technical support and expert advice on model selection and coupling compatibility for your servo motor. Contact us immediately at 0917 991 589 for pricing and detailed technical documents.
AUMI – Official SICK distributor in Vietnam. Genuine warranty, full CO/CQ, 24/7 technical support.
📞 Hotline: 0917 991 589 (Hanoi) | 0932 226 100 (TP.HCM)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://aumi.com.vn/
📍 Offices:
- Hanoi: B44, Villa Area, Viet Hung Urban Area, Long Bien
- Ho Chi Minh City: 2nd Floor, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh, Tan Binh District
- Da Nang: 9th Floor, PV Bank Building, No. 2, 30/4 Street, Hoa Cuong Ward
🔗 Official Datasheet | Product Information
