🌀 RWC201-Q1/Q2-FOG – High-Precision Winding Technology for FOG Coils

The RWC201-Q1/Q2-FOG is a specialized winding machine designed for the production of coils used in fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG). It processes optical fibers with diameters ranging from 60 µm to 0,3 mm in quadrupole or octupole geometries – reliably, with controlled tension, and maximum repeatability.

🌐 Flexible Winding Processes & Highest Precision

The system operates with two rotating winding units (left and right), enabling precise layer-by-layer winding for quadrupole and octupole patterns. Each unit includes:

• the fiber material,
• length measurement (inline fiber monitoring),
• an integrated tension control system with dancer compensation,

ensuring a uniform and crossover-free winding – a key quality factor in FOG coil production.

🔄 Winding Behavior & User Convenience

The winding process follows an alternating locking system: both spindles operate alternately rather than simultaneously – for better control and reproducibility.

The automatic winding process can be paused and resumed manually at any time. Using a joystick or 3-pedal foot switch, the operator can perform slow ramp-ups, precise stops, fine adjustments, or speed-controlled winding.

The traversing unit guides the fiber with high precision using a high-resolution gripping system:

• Mechanical repeatability over 300 mm travel: ±5 µm
• Software resolution: <2 µm

This ensures precise layer formation and tension-controlled fiber placement – even over long lengths and with ultra-fine fibers.

🎥 Monitoring & Quality Assurance

The winding surface is monitored in real time via video camera to detect any irregularities. An optional spray glue system with UV curing ensures stable, accurate fiber fixation.

A laser-based surface inspection system is also available: already wound layers are scanned line-by-line by a laser sensor to detect gaps or crossovers. Any deviation is automatically corrected – ensuring compact, precise and error-free layer formation.

🖥️ Advanced Control System & Open Interfaces

The machine is operated via a 15″ industrial touchscreen. Optional 21.5″ or 24″ displays are available.

Programs can be created using the RAWITEC winding editor, Microsoft Excel, or the WiDaMa system. Transfer via USB or Ethernet, with local or network-based storage. Digital I/O interfaces allow seamless integration of external automation systems.

🔧 Available Options & Expansions

• Digital microscope with autofocus and measurement function
• Automatic glue dispensing system
• Laser flange scanning with automatic reversal point correction
• Laser-based winding surface inspection with auto-correction
• Programmable PLC interface
• Fume extraction system
• LED lighting system
• Touchscreen upgrade to 21.5″ or 24″

✅ Conclusion

The RWC201-Q1/Q2-FOG combines precise winding mechanics, intelligent monitoring, user-friendly operation, and modular system design – making it the ideal solution for the repeatable production of high-precision FOG coils in aerospace, sensor technology, and research.

RWC201-Q1 / Q2 – Technical Data

FOG Technology & Quadrupole Winding – Precision at the Core

Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG) are extremely precise inertial sensors based on the interference of light in coiled optical fibers.
They detect rotational movements in up to three axes – fully contactless and without moving parts.

In safety-critical applications where mechanical systems may fail, FOG technology offers:

• ✅ exceptional reliability
• ✅ long-term stability
• ✅ immunity to magnetic fields, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations

🔄 Quadrupole Winding – for Maximum Signal Integrity

The core of every FOG system is one or more precisely wound optical fibers. Light travels in opposite directions
within the fiber to determine the rate of rotation via interference. The winding geometry plays a crucial role:

Quadrupole windings compensate for systematic errors like thermal drift or mechanical
strain – purely through geometry.

The result:

• ➔ significantly improved angular resolution
• ➔ enhanced signal integrity
• ➔ maximum thermal stability – especially for compact high-performance sensors

Quadrupole winding process

🌐 Three-Axis Systems – Precision in Every Dimension

To achieve full spatial detection, three orthogonally arranged fiber coils are used.
Each coil measures rotation along one spatial axis (X, Y, Z). The precision of the winding directly determines system performance.

FOG system – winding application

Orthogonal fiber coil arrangement in a three-axis FOG system

🧱 Typical Applications

• ✈️ Navigation systems for aircraft, UAVs, and guided missiles
• 🌊 Underwater positioning for submarines, AUVs, and ROVs
• 🌀 Sensing for flow, vibration, and wind tunnel testing
• 🧪 Precision coils for research facilities
• 📡 Telecommunications – e.g., delay lines, timing distribution, RF stabilization
• 📏 Fiber-optic-based sensors for strain, temperature, and structural monitoring
• 🚀 High-precision components for space, defense, and industrial applications

⭐ Your Benefits at a Glance

• Highest winding precision – micrometer-accurate layer guidance for precise measurement results
• Innovative technology – rotating spindles with dancer control, real-time monitoring, UV bonding systems
• Modular & flexible – expandable with laser scanning, digital I/Os, PLC interfaces
• Intuitive operation – touchscreen, joystick control, open programming interfaces
• Personalized support – from prototype development to series production integration
• Made in Germany – development and manufacturing to the highest quality standards

Defense & Security	Aircraft	Aerospace
Submarines / Marine	Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)	Defense & Missile Technology

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