The LM13 from Renishaw Inc., Hoffman Estates, IL, is a linear magnetic encoder in an ultracompact package for applications in woodworking, metalworking, stone cutting, paper converting, packaging, plastics processing, laser/flame/water-jet cutting, and assembly and packaging machinery. The encoder consists of a readhead and a separate self-adhesive scale and produces a digital, square-wave signal output to RS-422 with customer-selectable resolution of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 125, and 250 µm. A bidirectional reference can be actuated by a preset mark integrated into the scale or by adding a reference sticker on top of the scale. Features include integral go/no go LEDs on the readhead, wide installation tolerances, and an applicator tool for the scale.