Optical absolute encoder
HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear optical absolute encoder
Exposed absolute linear encoders for long axes, with drive-specific serial protocols and functional-safety and vacuum variants.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support
Need HEIDENHAIN parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
- Original parts or a checked alternative
- Pricing, lead time and delivery in one reply
- Components, complete axes and ongoing support
No obligation. Add what you know and an engineer will help with the rest. Prefer to configure it? Build a specification.
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear
Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.
Already know the part number? Send it to us directly.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Linear speed (max) | 10 m/s |
|---|---|
| Resolution (finest) | 1 nm |
| Interface | EnDat, Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Yaskawa |
| Measuring length max | 28,000 |
Summarised in our own words from DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
LIC 4100: up to 28 m, resolution down to 1 nm, up to 600 m/min (10 m/s, converted). Variants Dplus, FS (functional safety), V (vacuum). Accuracy grade not on page.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH. HEIDENHAIN and LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original HEIDENHAIN part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Absolute linear magnetic read head for LMSA scales, 1 µm resolution, up to 10 m/s, IP67.
| Published maximum | LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear | ALS21 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 10 m/s | 10 m/s meets or exceeds |
Rugged incremental head with RS422 or HTL output and 10-30 VDC supply option. Works on linear and rotary scales.
| Published maximum | LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear | IKS23 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 10 m/s | 16 m/s meets or exceeds |
Robust capacitive linear encoder with wide mounting tolerances for vibrating, dirty or hot environments, strokes to 1.9 m.
| Published maximum | LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear | FLEXe |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 10 m/s | 10 m/s meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Typical applications
What an optical absolute encoder is
An optical absolute encoder reads a unique code pattern on a disc or scale, so every position has its own digital value and position is known immediately at power-up. Single-turn encoders give position within one revolution; multi-turn encoders also count revolutions using gears or electronic counters. Position is sent over a serial interface such as SSI or BiSS, a manufacturer-specific protocol, or a fieldbus. Optical scanning gives high resolution, typically 17 bits per revolution or more in servo encoders, and good accuracy.
When engineers choose an optical absolute encoder
Choose an optical absolute encoder where knowing position at power-up matters, such as robots, machine tools, multi-axis machines and axes that cannot be homed safely. It removes homing routines and supports safety functions. The trade-offs are cost, interface compatibility and contamination sensitivity. Battery-backed multi-turn types need battery maintenance; gear or energy-harvesting types avoid that. In very dirty environments, magnetic or inductive absolute encoders may suit better.
How to specify the HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear variant or an equivalent:
- Single-turn resolution (bits)
- Multi-turn range (revolutions)
- Interface: SSI, BiSS, proprietary serial or fieldbus
- Accuracy (arcsec)
- Shaft or hollow shaft size (mm)
- Speed (rpm)
- Environment and safety rating
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing an interface the drive does not support
- Forgetting battery maintenance on battery-backed multi-turn types
- Confusing resolution with accuracy
- Ignoring cable length limits for serial interfaces
HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear?
Exposed absolute linear encoders for long axes, with drive-specific serial protocols and functional-safety and vacuum variants. Published series figures include linear speed 10 m/s, resolution (finest) 1 nm. It is made by DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear?
The HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear is made by HEIDENHAIN (DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the linear speed of the HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear?
The published series maximum linear speed is 10 m/s. Individual models and sizes in the LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Bogen ALS21 and Bogen IKS23 are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the difference between single-turn and multi-turn absolute encoders?
A single-turn absolute encoder knows its angle within one revolution. A multi-turn absolute encoder also counts complete revolutions, so it knows total position over many turns even after power loss. Multi-turn encoders avoid homing on axes driven through screws or gears.
Which interface should an absolute encoder use?
Use the interface supported by the drive or controller. SSI is simple and widely supported, BiSS-C is an open bidirectional protocol, and several manufacturer-specific protocols are common on machine tools and servo drives. Fieldbus encoders suit PLC networks. Check cable lengths and update rates for the control loop.
Further reading: Absolute vs incremental encoders · How to select an encoder · Encoders and feedback
Other optical absolute encoder series
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the HEIDENHAIN LIC 2100 / 3100 / 4100 exposed absolute linear: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.