Description
AMCI HT-400-S-J Brushless Single-Turn Resolver Transducer
Product Introduction
The AMCI HT-400-S-J is a heavy-duty brushless single-turn resolver transducer designed to provide rotary position feedback to industrial control systems. It belongs to AMCI’s HT-400 series and uses a 5/8-inch shaft, 4-inch diameter body, side-mounted MS-25 connector, and AMCI-standard resolver. Unlike a conventional incremental encoder that generates digital pulse trains, a resolver provides angular position information through an electromagnetic sensing principle and is commonly used where mechanical durability and resistance to harsh operating conditions are important. AMCI positions the HT-400 series for resolver-based position feedback in PLC, PAC, and industrial automation systems.
The AMCI HT-400-S-J is mechanically designed around applications where a conventional resolver transducer may be exposed to shock, vibration, contamination, or demanding machine-cycle conditions. AMCI specifies an anodized aluminum housing and a 4-inch body, while the HT-400 series is rated up to IP67 depending on the configuration; the specific HT-400-S-J is listed by distributors as IP64. The design also incorporates an oversized double-row bearing arrangement intended to handle substantial radial and axial shaft loading. These characteristics make the unit relevant to stamping equipment, packaging machinery, steel processing equipment, material handling, and other machines requiring reliable rotary position feedback.
For procurement, the AMCI HT-400-S-J should be identified by the complete model rather than simply as an “HT-400 resolver.” The S specifies the MS-25 side-connector termination, while J identifies the AMCI-standard resolver. AMCI also offers the HT-400-S-L, which uses an AVG/Autotech/Gemco-compatible resolver type. Those variants may have similar mechanical dimensions but should not be assumed electrically interchangeable. The HT-400 series was specifically designed to provide mechanical and electrical compatibility with certain legacy resolver transducers, making the exact resolver type and termination important when replacing equipment already installed on a machine.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | HT-400-S-J |
| Manufacturer | AMCI (Advanced Micro Controls Inc.) |
| Product Type | Brushless single-turn resolver transducer |
| Product Series | HT-400 |
| Measurement Principle | Resolver-based rotary position feedback |
| Shaft Diameter | 5/8 inch |
| Housing Diameter | 4 inches |
| Resolver Type | AMCI standard |
| Termination | MS-25 side connector |
| Housing Material | Anodized aluminum |
| Protection Rating | IP64 listed for HT-400-S-J |
| Mechanical Construction | Heavy-duty industrial transducer |
| Bearing Arrangement | Oversized double-row bearing |
| Radial Shaft Load | Up to 100 lb, family specification |
| Axial Shaft Load | Up to 50 lb, family specification |
| Single-Turn Measurement | Yes |
| Brushless Design | Yes |
| Interface | Resolver signal interface |
| PLC/PAC Compatibility | Via compatible resolver interface hardware |
| Installation | Direct mechanical shaft mounting |
| Typical Application | Rotary position feedback |
| Operating Accuracy | Dependent on resolver/interface combination; do not assign a generic encoder accuracy value |
| Communication Protocol | None; analog resolver excitation/feedback rather than Ethernet or fieldbus |
The mechanical and resolver configuration information is based primarily on AMCI’s HT-400 documentation. The shaft-load figures are series-level specifications and should be checked against the exact mechanical installation before using them for machine design.
HT-400-S-J
Main Features and Engineering Considerations
Brushless Resolver Construction
The AMCI HT-400-S-J uses a brushless resolver arrangement, eliminating mechanical brushes or slip-ring contacts from the sensing element. This is useful in machines where continuous rotation, vibration, shock, or long service intervals make mechanical-contact feedback devices undesirable.
5/8-Inch Shaft and 4-Inch Housing
The 5/8-inch shaft and 4-inch body are important identification points during replacement. Mechanical compatibility is not simply a matter of matching the electrical connector. Shaft diameter, keyway arrangement, mounting dimensions, shaft extension, coupling alignment, and allowable shaft loading all need to be checked against the machine drawing.
MS-25 Side Connector
The S in HT-400-S-J identifies the MS-25 side-connector termination. AMCI also offers conduit-termination versions, such as HT-400-C-J. The two configurations can be mechanically similar while requiring different cable-entry arrangements, so the termination designation should remain part of the procurement specification.
AMCI Standard Resolver
The J suffix identifies the AMCI-standard resolver. AMCI’s L version is intended for AVG/Autotech and Gemco resolver types. This distinction is important when replacing an existing resolver because the interface electronics must match the resolver characteristics. Do not substitute an HT-400-L simply because the housing appears identical.
Harsh-Machine Applications
AMCI developed the HT-400 series for demanding industrial environments. The manufacturer specifically describes applications such as packaging equipment and stamping presses, where shock and vibration can be significant. The large housing and bearing arrangement are intended to provide mechanical durability rather than simply minimizing the physical size of the feedback device.
Legacy Resolver Replacement
The HT-400 series was redesigned for mechanical and electrical compatibility with AVG/Autotech SAC-RL100 and Gemco Series I transducers. This makes the model particularly relevant when maintaining older machines whose original resolver transducers are no longer readily available. Compatibility should still be confirmed against the original resolver’s electrical characteristics and machine mounting arrangement.
Application Scenarios
- Stamping presses
- Packaging machinery
- Steel processing equipment
- Material handling systems
- Industrial machine position feedback
- Rotary actuator position measurement
- PLC-based motion control
- PAC-based machine control
- Resolver-based position feedback systems
- Replacement of AVG/Autotech SAC-RL100-type transducers
- Replacement of Gemco Series I resolver transducers
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
1. Do not call it a conventional incremental encoder.
The HT-400-S-J is a resolver transducer. The receiving interface must provide the correct resolver excitation and signal processing.
2. Verify the resolver type.
The J suffix is important. AMCI identifies J as the AMCI-standard resolver, while L is intended for AVG/Autotech/Gemco resolver types.
3. Check the termination.
S means the MS-25 side connector. The HT-400-C-J uses conduit termination instead. Do not order based only on the HT-400 family number.
4. Check shaft loading and alignment.
Resolver failures are often mechanical rather than electrical. Excessive radial load, axial load, coupling misalignment, shaft runout, or an incorrectly supported coupling can shorten bearing life.
5. Do not assume IP67 from the family name.
AMCI describes the HT-400 series as available up to IP67, while distributor data specifically lists HT-400-S-J as IP64. Use the exact product documentation for the installed configuration rather than applying the highest family rating automatically.
6. Check the interface card.
A resolver transducer is only one part of the position-feedback chain. Verify that the PLC/PAC resolver interface or motion module supports the AMCI resolver’s electrical characteristics.
7. Preserve the mechanical reference.
Single-turn position feedback is meaningful only when the mechanical zero/reference position is correctly established. Record the original mounting orientation and coupling position before removing the old unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMCI HT-400-S-J?
It is a brushless single-turn resolver transducer from AMCI’s HT-400 series, designed for industrial rotary position feedback.
What does the S mean in HT-400-S-J?
The S identifies the MS-25 side connector termination. AMCI uses C for the 1-inch conduit version.
What does the J mean?
The J identifies the AMCI-standard resolver. The L variant is intended for AVG/Autotech and Gemco resolver types.
What shaft size does HT-400-S-J use?
The specified shaft size is 5/8 inch. The body diameter is 4 inches.
Is HT-400-S-J an encoder?
It is generally grouped with industrial rotary feedback devices, but technically it is a resolver transducer, not a conventional incremental pulse encoder. It requires appropriate resolver interface electronics.
What is the protection rating?
Distributor technical data lists the HT-400-S-J as IP64. AMCI describes the broader HT-400 family as available with ratings up to IP67, so the exact model should be used when determining the required environmental protection.
Can HT-400-S-J replace an AVG/Autotech or Gemco resolver?
The HT-400 series was designed for mechanical and electrical compatibility with AVG/Autotech SAC-RL100 and Gemco Series I transducers. The exact resolver and interface characteristics should still be verified before replacement.
Procurement Note
For purchasing or spare-stock identification, specify:
AMCI HT-400-S-J — Brushless Single-Turn Resolver Transducer — 5/8-Inch Shaft — 4-Inch Housing — MS-25 Side Connector — AMCI Standard Resolver
Before approving a replacement, verify:
- Complete model: HT-400-S-J
- Resolver type
- MS-25 connector
- Shaft diameter and keying
- Mounting dimensions
- Shaft extension and coupling
- Radial and axial shaft loads
- Resolver interface/motion module
- Existing zero/reference position
- Environmental sealing requirement
- Original resolver’s electrical characteristics
The most important distinction is the J/S configuration. An HT-400 with a different resolver type or termination may look nearly identical mechanically but can require different interface hardware.
