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Heidenhain part number decoder

Enter a Heidenhain model name or ID number to see what the product is, read the line count and reference-mark type, and check whether we have it in stock.

How Heidenhain numbers work

A Heidenhain label carries two different numbers, and you usually need both:

ROD 426 2500  ·  ID 376846-E8

  • Model name: the letters give the product type (ROD = incremental rotary encoder, LS = sealed linear encoder), and the number is the model.
  • Values after the model: on rotary and angle encoders this is usually the line count (2500 lines per revolution).
  • ID number: Heidenhain's order number. It pins down the exact variant: signal interface (1 Vpp, TTL, EnDat), cable, connector and mounting.
  • ID suffix: two characters for the variant. It must match for a direct replacement.

A C right after the model number (LS 486C, RON 785C) means distance-coded reference marks. The ID is written several ways (376846-E8, 376 846-E8, ID Nr.); they are the same number.

Two encoders with the same model name can still be incompatible. The ID number decides the interface, so check it before you order, or send us both numbers and we'll confirm the match.

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Heidenhain prefixes the decoder knows

Where two rows match, the longer (more specific) prefix wins.

Linear encoders

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
LSLS sealed linear encoderIncremental sealed linear encoder (glass scale), e.g. LS 186, LS 486, LS 406.
LCLC sealed linear encoderAbsolute sealed linear encoder, e.g. LC 183, LC 483, LC 415.
LBLB sealed linear encoderIncremental sealed linear encoder with steel tape for long measuring lengths, e.g. LB 382.
LFLF sealed linear encoderHigh-accuracy incremental sealed linear encoder, e.g. LF 185, LF 481.
AEScanning unit (AE)AE = Abtasteinheit, the reading head that runs along a sealed scale.
AE LSScanning unit for an LS scaleReading head for the LS linear encoder of the same model number.
AE LBScanning unit for an LB scaleReading head for the LB linear encoder of the same model number.
AE LCScanning unit for an LC scaleReading head for the LC linear encoder of the same model number.
LIPLIP exposed linear encoderHigh-accuracy exposed (open) linear encoder.
LIFLIF exposed linear encoderExposed linear encoder with a glass-ceramic scale.
LIDALIDA exposed linear encoderExposed linear encoder for high traversing speeds.
LICLIC exposed linear encoderAbsolute exposed linear encoder.

Rotary encoders

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
RODROD incremental rotary encoderIncremental rotary encoder with its own bearing and a solid shaft, e.g. ROD 426, ROD 486.
ERNERN incremental rotary encoderIncremental rotary encoder with a hollow shaft. ERN 1xxx models are motor feedback encoders (ERN 1387 also carries commutation signals).
ROCROC absolute rotary encoderAbsolute singleturn rotary encoder with its own bearing.
ROQROQ absolute rotary encoderAbsolute multiturn rotary encoder with its own bearing.
ECNECN absolute rotary encoderAbsolute singleturn rotary encoder with a hollow shaft, widely used as motor feedback (e.g. ECN 1313).
EQNEQN absolute rotary encoderAbsolute multiturn rotary encoder with a hollow shaft, widely used as motor feedback (e.g. EQN 1325).
ECIECI inductive rotary encoderAbsolute singleturn inductive encoder for motors.
EQIEQI inductive rotary encoderAbsolute multiturn inductive encoder for motors.
ERMERM modular magnetic encoderModular encoder with a magnetic graduation, for spindles and rotary axes.

Angle encoders

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
ERAERA modular angle encoderModular angle encoder with a graduated drum (scale drum and separate scanning head).
RONRON incremental angle encoderHigh-accuracy incremental angle encoder with its own bearing, e.g. RON 285, RON 786.
RCNRCN absolute angle encoderHigh-accuracy absolute angle encoder, e.g. RCN 226, RCN 729.
RPNRPN angle encoderVery high resolution incremental angle encoder.

Length gauges & probes

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
MTMT length gaugeLength gauge (MT 12, MT 25, MT 60) for measuring and inspection.
STSPECTO length gaugeCompact length gauge (SPECTO series).
ATACANTO length gaugeLength gauge (ACANTO series).
TSTS workpiece touch probe3D touch probe for workpiece measurement on machine tools, e.g. TS 220, TS 640.
TTTT tool touch probeProbe for tool length and radius measurement, e.g. TT 140, TT 160.
SESE transmitter / receiver unitInfrared or radio receiver for wireless touch probes, e.g. SE 540, SE 660.

Readouts

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
NDND digital readoutPosition display unit (DRO) for manual machines, e.g. ND 280, ND 780.
POSITIPPOSITIP readoutPosition display unit with programming functions, e.g. POSITIP 880.
VRZVRZ counterOlder counter / position display unit, e.g. VRZ 759.

CNC controls

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
TNCTNC controlHeidenhain CNC control, e.g. TNC 124, TNC 426, iTNC 530, TNC 640.
MANUALPLUSMANUALplus lathe controlCNC control for lathes.

CNC control components

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
MCMC main computerMain computer of a TNC control, e.g. MC 320, MC 422.
CCCC controller unitDigital drive controller unit of a TNC control, e.g. CC 422, CC 424.
LELE logic unitLogic unit of older TNC controls, e.g. LE 355, LE 430M.
BFBF visual display unitScreen unit of a TNC control, e.g. BF 150, BF 750.
TETE keyboard unitOperating keyboard of a TNC control, e.g. TE 420, TE 530.
MBMB machine operating panelMachine operating panel, e.g. MB 420, MB 620.
PL 4PL PLC input/output unitPLC I/O unit, e.g. PL 405, PL 410.
PL 5PL PLC input/output unitPLC I/O unit, e.g. PL 510, PL 550.
HRHR electronic handwheelElectronic handwheel, e.g. HR 130, HR 410, HR 520.
UVUV power supply unitPower supply unit for TNC controls and drives, e.g. UV 101B, UV 105.
UVRUVR regenerative supplyRegenerative power supply module.
UMUM inverter moduleAxis / spindle inverter (power) module.
UEUE compact inverterCompact inverter with integrated supply.

Interface electronics

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
EXEEXE interpolation electronicsPulse-shaping and interpolation electronics for encoder signals, e.g. EXE 602.
IBVIBV interpolation electronicsInterpolation and digitizing electronics, e.g. IBV 101, IBV 660.
APEAPE interface electronicsInterface electronics built into the connector or cable, e.g. APE 381.

Test equipment

PrefixFamilyWhat it is
PWMPWM encoder diagnostic unitPhase angle measuring unit for checking encoder signals, e.g. PWM 9, PWM 20.
PWTPWT test unitTest unit for checking encoder scanning signals, e.g. PWT 10, PWT 18.