Same Sky Company Review: AMT encoders, stepper-servo motors and electronic motion components
Same Sky, formerly CUI Devices, manufactures electronic components with a motion-and-control portfolio that includes AMT encoders and stepper-servo motor combinations. For automation designers, its relevance lies in compact feedback and motor components that must be integrated with a suitable drive and host control system.
Engineering verdict
Same Sky is worth evaluating when an OEM needs adaptable encoder mounting or a motor with an integrated feedback option. Its component approach can simplify mechanical packaging. An encoder-equipped stepper remains a component, however: feedback availability does not by itself provide a closed-loop controller, safety function or guaranteed machine positioning accuracy.
Company at a glance
Company detail | Verified scope |
Company | Same Sky |
Technical focus | AMT encoders, stepper-servo motors and electronic motion components |
Role | Component manufacturer / OEM supplier |
Country | United States |
CUI Devices and the Same Sky name
The company announced the Same Sky name in September 2024 as the new identity of CUI Devices. Older CUI Devices documentation can therefore describe relevant product lineage, but the exact part number, revision and lifecycle status still need confirmation. Same Sky’s wider electronic-component portfolio includes technologies beyond motion control. This review concentrates on the encoders and motor combinations represented in the ATC catalogue rather than treating every company product as a robotics device.
Encoders and motor combinations
The motion portfolio includes incremental and absolute encoder options as well as stepper motors with AMT encoders. The ATC catalogue represents several NEMA-frame motor combinations with the AMT112S encoder. Those entries can share a family architecture while differing in frame, winding and mechanical output. A frame designation describes mounting dimensions, not a universal torque rating, feedback interface or electrical supply. The motor and encoder specifications must both be checked.
Capacitive feedback and mounting discipline
AMT products use capacitive encoder technology in the documented portfolio. A modular encoder can offer useful shaft and mounting flexibility, but alignment, shaft tolerances and installation procedure remain important. Establish how the adapter, hub and reference position are set and retained. Protection against contamination should be evaluated for the exact encoder and enclosure arrangement rather than inferred from a broad technology-level comparison with optical or magnetic feedback.
Resolution is not positioning accuracy
An encoder count or programmed resolution describes how position is represented. It does not remove motor torque limits, mechanical backlash, mounting error or structural compliance. For incremental feedback, define homing and behavior after loss of power. For absolute feedback, confirm which position information is retained and how the host reads it. Verify electrical levels, timing, cable length and the host or drive input instead of assuming all digital encoders use an interchangeable connection.
What makes a stepper system closed loop
A motor carrying an encoder provides a measurement path, but the controller or drive must use that signal appropriately. Define whether feedback supports monitoring, stall detection, correction or actual position control. Size torque at speed and acceleration using the selected winding and supply. Feedback can reveal a lost position without making an overloaded motor capable of completing the move. Thermal limits and resonance remain part of the mechanical and control evaluation.
Applications, alternatives and production support
Compact handling equipment, instrumentation and OEM mechanisms can benefit from modular feedback and motor packages. Compare a Same Sky arrangement with separate motor-and-encoder parts or a complete integrated servo using the same motion and accuracy criteria. Include the drive, controller interface, homing strategy, mounting hardware and commissioning. Preserve resolution settings, installation instructions and exact revision information for production. Confirm distributor stock and lifecycle directly for the selected part rather than treating the rebrand as evidence of either obsolescence or unchanged availability.
Representative products in the ATC catalogue
These internal catalogue entries show the product families covered on All Things Cobots. Related variants or historical listings are not a count of unique current manufacturer SKUs.
Selection checklist
Decision | Evidence to request |
Motor and encoder identity | Specify frame, winding, shaft, encoder model and revision separately. |
Feedback meaning | Distinguish incremental or absolute output and resolution from actual accuracy. |
Closed-loop responsibility | Define how the drive or host uses position feedback. |
Production installation | Control mounting, reference alignment, electrical levels and configuration. |
Frequently asked questions
Is Same Sky the former CUI Devices?
Yes. The company announced the Same Sky name in September 2024. Match older documentation to the exact part and revision rather than creating a separate supplier identity for the same lineage.
What motion products are relevant here?
The reviewed portfolio includes AMT encoders and stepper motors with encoder options, including several NEMA-frame combinations represented in the ATC catalogue.
Does an encoder make a stepper automatically closed loop?
No. The drive or controller must be configured to use feedback for a defined function. A measurement device alone does not supply closed-loop control.
Is encoder resolution the same as accuracy?
No. Resolution describes position representation. Actual accuracy also depends on the encoder, mounting, mechanics, calibration and control system.
Are incremental and absolute encoders interchangeable?
No. They provide different position information and can require different host interfaces and startup behavior. Confirm the exact output and system requirements.
What does a NEMA frame specify?
It primarily identifies a mounting-frame convention. It does not guarantee common torque, winding, shaft details, supply voltage or encoder interface across all motors of that frame.
What should be controlled during encoder installation?
Follow the model-specific shaft and mounting tolerances, adapter and hub procedure, reference alignment and electrical connection. Retain any programmed settings for service.
When is Same Sky a useful supplier candidate?
It is relevant when an OEM wants compact motor-feedback components and can design and qualify the surrounding drive, host interface, mounting and commissioning process.
