40 mm Rotary Encoder with 6 mm Shaft: The VXT-E40S06 Series

The 40 mm housing with a 6 mm solid shaft is the most popular encoder size in Indian automation. It fits compact machines, mounts on standard brackets and couples easily to rollers and motor shafts. The VXT-E40S06 series covers this size in four ready-to-ship versions, so you can match the output to your controller instead of adapting the controller to the encoder.

The VXT-E40S06 range at a glance

Model	Resolution	Output	Supply	Channels
VXT-E40S06-0500-NPN	500 PPR	NPN open collector	8–26 V DC	A, B, Z
VXT-E40S06-1024-NPN	1024 PPR	NPN open collector	8–26 V DC	A, B, Z
VXT-E40S06-1024-PNP	1024 PPR	PNP open collector	8–26 V DC	A, B, Z
VXT-E40S06-1024-L	1024 PPR	Line driver (RS-422)	5 V DC	A, /A, B, /B, Z, /Z

All four share the same mechanics: ø40 mm housing, ø6 mm g6 solid shaft with a flat, ø20 mm spigot, three M3 mounting holes on a ø30 mm pitch circle, and a 2 m shielded radial cable. Response frequency is up to 300 kHz and the mechanical speed limit is 6000 rpm. Protection is IP54 with an operating range of −20 to +85 °C.

Which VXT-E40S06 model should you choose?

VXT-E40S06-1024-NPN: the everyday workhorse

If your PLC high-speed counter inputs are configured for NPN sensors, which is the most common setup in Indian panels, this is the model to start with. 1024 PPR gives fine enough resolution for conveyor tracking, roll length measurement and packaging machine timing, while staying well within the input frequency of most PLC counters at normal machine speeds.

VXT-E40S06-0500-NPN: simple speed and counting jobs

At 500 PPR, the pulse rate is half that of a 1024 PPR encoder at the same speed. That makes it a good fit for older PLCs or counters with lower input frequency limits, and for speed monitoring where very fine resolution is not needed.

VXT-E40S06-1024-PNP: for PNP-input controllers

Many European-style panels and some OEM machines use inputs configured for PNP sensors. The PNP open collector output sources current to the input, so it connects directly without an interface relay or converter.

VXT-E40S06-1024-L: for drives, motion controllers and long cables

The line driver version outputs differential A, /A, B, /B, Z and /Z signals at 5 V DC to RS-422 levels. Differential signalling rejects electrical noise from VFDs and servo drives and supports longer cable runs. Choose it for servo drive feedback, motion controller inputs and CNC retrofits.

An alternative to Omron E6B2-C and Autonics E40S6

The 40 mm, 6 mm shaft class is also served by well-known models such as the Omron E6B2-C series and the Autonics E40S6 series. Machine builders often ask us for an equivalent when lead times are long or budgets are tight. The table below shows which VXT-E40S06 model matches each common output type.

If you use	Output type	Consider
Omron E6B2-CWZ6C	NPN open collector	VXT-E40S06-1024-NPN or VXT-E40S06-0500-NPN
Omron E6B2-CWZ5B	PNP open collector	VXT-E40S06-1024-PNP
Omron E6B2-CWZ1X	Line driver	VXT-E40S06-1024-L
Autonics E40S6-…-N-24	NPN open collector	VXT-E40S06-1024-NPN
Autonics E40S6-…-6-L-5	Line driver	VXT-E40S06-1024-L

A few points to check before replacing:

• Mounting: compare the flange hole pattern and spigot with your existing bracket.
• Resolution: match the PPR, or update the scaling in your PLC program.
• Supply: VXT open collector models accept 8 to 26 V DC, which covers standard 12 V and 24 V panels.
• Response frequency: VXT-E40S06 encoders support up to 300 kHz. Published data for the Omron E6B2-CWZ6C lists 100 kHz, so a VXT encoder will not be the limiting factor in an equivalent application.
• Protection: VXT-E40S06 is rated IP54; the Omron E6B2-C series is listed at IP50.

Typical applications

• Packaging machines: film feed length, cutter timing, flow-wrap registration.
• Conveyors: belt speed monitoring, product tracking.
• Textile machines: yarn and fabric length measurement.
• Printing and labelling: web speed and label position.
• Material handling and AGV wheels: distance travelled.
• Small motor feedback with PLC high-speed counters.

Installation tips

• Always use a flexible coupling between the encoder shaft and the machine shaft. A rigid coupling transfers misalignment into the encoder bearings.
• Keep within the rated shaft load of 30 N radial and 20 N axial.
• For NPN models, connect to an input configured for NPN sensors, or add a pull-up resistor for voltage-type receivers.
• Earth the cable shield at the controller end only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shaft size of the VXT-E40S06 encoder?

All VXT-E40S06 models have a ø6 mm g6 solid shaft with a flat, in a ø40 mm housing.

Can VXT-E40S06-1024-NPN be used with a 24 V PLC?

Yes. It accepts 8 to 26 V DC and its NPN open collector outputs connect to PLC high-speed counter inputs configured for NPN sensors.

Is the VXT-E40S06 a direct replacement for Omron E6B2-CWZ6C?

It is in the same 40 mm, 6 mm shaft class with an equivalent NPN open collector output. Check the mounting hole pattern and PPR against your machine before swapping, or send us your model number and we will confirm.

What cable length does the VXT-E40S06 have?

It comes with a 2 m shielded radial cable with open-ended leads.

Order the VXT-E40S06 series

Tell us the PPR, output type and quantity you need, or share the model you are replacing. Contact us for datasheets, pricing and availability across India.

Omron and Autonics are trademarks of their respective owners. They are mentioned for comparison and cross-reference only; VXT is not affiliated with these companies.