Motion Control Tips provides engineers and industry professionals with current news and information about optical encoders, rotary encoders and other motion control components. Our articles about rotary encoders are written for engineers, by engineers, and will help you run your process efficiently. Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our RSS feed.

Posital’s optical encoders feature a bit parallel interface

Posital (www.posital.com) has integrated a bit parallel interface to its range of OCD optical encoders, ensuring a reliable, fast transfer of angular position into higher level controllers. These make them suitable for use in remote regions, as they offer easy diagnosis options that come with simple tools. The OCD optical encoders are based on a single... [Read more]

Non-magnetic Encoders for High Magnetic Field Environments from NUMERIK JENA

Jena, Germany – NUMERIK JENA, sister company of HEIDENHAIN, now offers a line of linear and rotary encoders that are non-magnetic and that have been tested in environments up to 6 Tesla and have no influence on the machine environment. The encoders also can withstand this high magnetic environment without loss of accuracy or resolution and are mechanically... [Read more]

Baumer HS35 Programmable Encoders deliver 60 Arcsecond accuracy

Baumer has unveiled its latest HS35 family of incremental hollow shaft encoders, which include a fully-programmable version, for speed control applications and heavy-duty positioning. The rugged encoders are specifically designed to withstand high-pressure cleaning, shocks of up to 200 g and ambient temperatures ranging from -40°F to +212°F. Baumer... [Read more]

Baumer launches compact absolute encoder series MHAD

Baumer (www.baumer.com) has unveiled its small absolute encoder series MHAD, which seamlessly combines the functional capabilities of an absolute encoder with the product benefits of narrow dimensions. With a very compact design, the encoder measures only 50 mm in diameter and 20 mm deep. This makes the encoder easy to fit into tight areas where installation... [Read more]

Balluff’s new rotary encoder provides new level of positional information

Balluff (www.balluff.com) has announced that its latest S2E Rotary BML rotary encoder offers a new level of positional information, making it suitable for applications such as speed control, conveyors and angle measurement. Easy to set up and accurate, this rugged rotary encoder comes at a lower cost and is provides more effective improvement on traditional... [Read more]

BEI’s HS52 explosion proof rotary encoder revealed

BEI Sensors (www.beisensors.com) has unveiled a space-saving and ultra rugged industrial encoder that meets the required standards and certifications for use in potentially explosive environments. Model HS52 is the industry’s first ATEX and UL rated explosion proof hollow shaft encoder. This rotary encoder can be operated directly in Zone 1 and Division... [Read more]

Incremental encoders

Incremental encoders, like absolute encoders, are used to track motion as well as to determine speed and position. Incremental encoders generally supply square-wave signals in two channels, A and B, which are offset by 90 degrees, or out-of-phase by 90 degrees. This helps in determining the direction of rotation. The output signals of an incremental... [Read more]

Absolute encoders

Encoders can be either absolute or incremental. Absolute encoders have a unique code for each shaft position. Or in other words, every position of an absolute encoder is distinctive. The absolute encoder interprets a system of coded tracks to create position information where no two positions are identical. Another feature is that absolute encoders... [Read more]

Posital introduces a magnetic rotary encoder with hollow shaft design

Posital (www.posital.com) has announced that its Magnetocode (MCD) absolute rotary encoders now features a new hollow-shaft variant of the MCD encoder, making the devices easier to mount on shafts up to 20 mm in diameter. Featuring excellent accuracy, adaptability and reliability, the new devices are offered with digital or analog electrical interfaces.... [Read more]

Avago’s latest absolute encoder features a modular package

Avago Technologies (www.avagotech.com), one of the world’s leading suppliers of analog interface components for industrial, consumer and commercial applications, has introduced the new AEAT-9000 ultra-precision absolute encoder, which delivers outstanding accuracy for smooth motor drive performance. Available in a modular package, this high-resolution... [Read more]

ILF Technologies to showcase M3 Rotary Cutter at Graph Expo

ILF Technologies (www.ilftech.com), one of the world’s leading suppliers of web finishing solutions for converting and printing industries, has announced that it will present the ILF M3 “Cutting Edge” Rotary Cutter at the upcoming Graph Expo this September inChicago. Built for maximum uptime and make readies, the M3 Rotary Cutter is designed with... [Read more]

Siko AH36M rotary encoder features “teach-in-function”

Siko GmbH (www.siko.de) has proudly announced the release of a new rotary encoder that adapts to the application and not vice versa — the AH36M rotary encoder. With this principle, the company has taken a new direction in the rotary encoder segment, and has incorporated a magnetic analog absolute encoder that features a “teach-in-function” to... [Read more]

Magnetic Tape Encoders for Speed and Position Monitoring

Southington, Conn. – Baumer’s HDMag line of high-precision, bearing-less and contact-free magnetic tape encoders is suited for speed and position monitoring on large diameter shafts. Replacing expensive and complicated specialized solutions that require belts, gears, couplings and linkages, the HDMag series of encoders is easy to install and will... [Read more]

Avago’s Hall-effect magnetic encoder suitable for industrial applications

Avago Technologies (www.avagotech.com) has introduced the highest-resolution Hall-effect magnetic encoder in the market that provides up to 16-bit resolution for accurate angle measurement on a full 360 degrees rotation, the AEAT-6600-T16 encoder. Delivering robust performance required by applications in harsh environments, the new encoder is suitable... [Read more]

Avago’s three new high-voltage line drivers suitable for industrial applications

Avago Technologies (www.avagotech.com), one of the world’s leading providers of analog interface components for industrial, communications and consumer applications, has announced the release of three new high-voltage line drivers that deliver the added supply voltage (up to 30V) needed by industrial applications — the AEIC-7273, AEIC-2631 and AEIC-7272. With... [Read more]

POSITAL offers new interface options for rotary encoders

POSITAL (www.posital.com) has announced that its Optocode (OCD) absolute rotary encoders now come with a new combined interface that allows simultaneous communication of both incremental and absolute position data. The company’s new interface is specifically developed to deliver cost effective and robust point-to-point communications between various... [Read more]

CUI Adds Line Driver Output to AMT303 Commutation Encoder Series

CUI Inc announced a new addition to its high resolution, low-cost AMT encoder line with the AMT303LD series. The encoder generates standard U/V/W commutation signals for vectoring current to brushless motors.  Resolution can be set through the AMT303 Demo Kit.  Commutation output can accommodate brushless motors with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 20 pole pairs,... [Read more]

POSITAL unveils compact Profinet IRT Encoders

POSITAL (www.posital.com) has unveiled optimized PROFINET I/O encoders that support RT, IRT and NRT data transfer (isochronous real-time/real-time/non-real-time). Featuring an Ertec200-based platform, the improved encoders delivers cycle times as low as 10 ms (RT) and 1 ms (IRT). With a diameter of just 58 mm, the compact devices are parameterized through... [Read more]

Baumer’s robust stainless steel encoders ideal in harsh environment

Baumer (www.baumer.com), a leading manufacturer of sensors and system solutions for process and factory automation, offers an extensive array of stainless steel encoder designs that is ideal in harsh environments such as in container ship loading facilities, in chemical industry, offshore industry and in food and beverage industries’ bottling processes. Sensor... [Read more]

ROMER’s Tube Inspection Systems uses optimized non-contact, IR probes

ROMER (www.romer.com), a subsidiary of Hexagon Metrology, Inc. (www.hexagonmetrology.com), has announced their latest collection of non-contact tube inspection system which offers a vast array of wire and tube bending applications, such as bend correction to reduce scrap, tube inspection, fixture verification and reverse engineering. The enhancements... [Read more]

SICK introduces A3M Absolute Multiturn Encoder

SICK (www.sick.com) has unveiled a robust, absolute multiturn encoder that offers the new A3M encoder – a 14-bit sigleturn and 17-bit multiturn or a total of 31-bit output. Integrated with a Profibus output, the encoder features absolute encoders that are native to it, even without an internal power source. Featuring internal electronics that are... [Read more]

Renishaw Resolute absolute encoder offers sub-micron accuracy

Renishaw (www.renishaw.com) has announced the release of its latest Resolute absolute encoder which features Fanuc serial communication in linear encoder formats for grinding machines, high-precision machine tools and diamond-turning machines.Resolute was designed to deliver sub-micron accuracy and resolution to one nm. A true absolute encoder, Resolute... [Read more]

Hiperface DSL encoder interface simplifies servomotor connection

Sick (www.sick.com), a German encoder manufacturer, has unveiled a new digital interface technology that simplifies servomotor connection — the Hiperface DSL (digital servo link) encoder interface.The new interface enables one cable to carry both encoder signal and power. Motors now require a single connector only, which significantly reduces costs... [Read more]

Avago offers smallest reflective encoder

Avago Technologies (www.avagotech.com) has announced the release of the smallest three-channel reflective encoder in the market, the new AEDR-850x encoders.Avago’s latest encoder is ideal for various applications, including miniature motors, closed-loop stepper motors, copiers, printers, insulin pumps, card readers, and other kinds of consumer,... [Read more]

Haydon’s incremental magnetic encoder an alternative to optical encoder

Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions Inc. (www.haydonkerk.com) has introduced a new magnetic encoder that utilizes both full signal processing and analog detection circuitry on single chip. It is available on the one-inch Series 25000 linear actuator.Fully enclosed and extremely compact, the incremental encoder includes both full signal processing and analog... [Read more]

HS35 Programmable Encoders from Baumer Offer 60 Arcsecond Accuracy

Southington, Conn. – Baumer announces its new HS35 family of incremental hollow shaft encoders, including a fully programmable version, for heavy-duty positioning and speed-control applications. Available in an IP67 version, these rugged encoders withstand shocks up to 200g, high-pressure cleaning, and ambient temperatures from -40°F to +212°F.... [Read more]

New Line of 27-bit Resolution Absolute Optical Encoders from Renishaw

Renishaw’s RESOLUTE optical encoder system is the world’s first true absolute encoder capable of 27-bit resolution at 36,000 rpm. The fine-pitch system offers excellent dirt immunity, while delivering market-leading resolution of just 1nm at up to 100 m/s, for both linear and angle encoding applications. RESOLUTE’s high performance... [Read more]

New Absolute Encoder from Heidenhain

Schaumburg, Ill. –Heidenhain announces a new absolute, inductive rotary encoder. The ECI 119 features a low profile (height of 19 mm, outside diameter 92 mm) and large through shaft (50, 38, or 30 mm), making it well suited for electric motors in many applications, including general automation, electronics and packaging industry, robotics, plastic... [Read more]

New Linear Position Transducer with VARAN Bus Interface from Balluff

Florence, Ky. – Balluff announces the Micropulse AT Linear Position Transducer with the VARAN Bus interface. It is able to track the location of up to four position-marker magnets. The transducer outputs a start/stop signal, which is used to calculate the position of each magnet using the transducer length and resolution. It’s available in a... [Read more]

New Illuminated Rotary Encoders from Cliff

Rotary encoders are widely replacing conventional analogue potentiometers for audio, instrumentation and industrial control functions as they offer more accurate, repeatable setting. Cliff’s rotary encoder range features LED illuminated spindles to provide visible indication of panel position or function. Standard LED colors available are blue,... [Read more]

Balluff Introduces new rotary encoder

Balluff’s new S2E Rotary BML rotary encoder provides a new level of positional information for applications such as conveyors, speed control, and angle measurement. Rugged, accurate, and easy to set up, Balluff’s rotary encoder is a lower cost, more effective improvement on standard rotary encoder designs. The basic design of the S2E consists... [Read more]

Animatics Introduces the Class 5 SmartMotor™

Animatics introduces the world’s most powerful integrated servo: the Class 5 SmartMotor featuring patent-pending Combitronic technology.  In 1994, Animatics introduced the first fully integrated SmartMotor servos featuring an internal brushless motor, encoder, controller and amplifier, and have... [Read more]

Low Profile Encoders from HEIDENHAIN

HEIDENHAIN Corporation now introduces new low profile incremental rotary encoders with block commutation tracks, especially suitable for use in small-dimensioned servo motors.  These new rotary encoders of the HEIDENHAIN 1000 and 1100 series come equipped with an industry-standard 35 mm housing diameter.These... [Read more]

AMCI Launches New Web Store

AMCI announces the launch of its new online store, AMCI Direct – a direct online source for purchasing size 11 resolvers and size 15 magnetic encoders. All products are currently in-stock and available to ship within 2-3 business days. AMCI’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of rotary position sensors was built through their ability to ensure... [Read more]

Fast EtherCAT Encoders from Baumer

Southington, Conn. – Offering extremely fast cycle times of just 62 ms, Baumer’s  new high speed Absolute ATD EtherCAT Encoders deliver extremely fast positioning, speed control and motor feedback data to simplify communication between drives and control systems in multi-I/O equipment.  These compact encoders experience very little clock phase... [Read more]

Encoder Options for All Angles of Stepping Motors

Oriental Motor announces that encoder options are now available for their 0.36° and 0.72° stepping motors. With the addition of the encoder option to 0.36º and 0.72º stepping motors, Oriental Motor’s entire range of stepping motors (including 0.9 º and 1.8º stepping motors) now has the option for an encoder. Additionally, the stepping... [Read more]

MicroE Systems introduces world’s smallest linear encoder with 1.2nm resolution

MicroE Systems (www.microesys.com) is proud to launch its all-new Miniature Encoders that are ideal for XY microscope stages, nanometer and sub-micron positioning systems, fine control of optics and piezo-motor stages. With resolutions of up to 1.2nm and miniature sensors, the latest MicroE Systems Mercury II encoders can upgrade the user’s motion... [Read more]

MicroMo’s 8mm family of DC motors, encoders, gearheads

MicroMo Electronics, Inc. (www.micromo.com) has unveiled a new family of mini-drives with an outer diameter of only 8mm, providing maximum power. This family of drives is an impressive solution with several possible combinations using DC-Micromotors, with micro-encoders and precision gearheads.The DC-Micromotors series 0816 is available in 3V, 6V... [Read more]

Rotalink’s low-cost absolute encoders with ovoid gearboxes

Rotalink (www.rotalink.com) has unveiled an innovative low-priced absolute encoder with ovoid style gearboxes. This compact encoder is directly fitted to the output shaft’s rear side to measure the load position and it is available for single-turn 360° rotation or multi-turn versions of up to 32,000 revolutions. The absolute encoder uses highly reliable... [Read more]

Mclennan introduces new motion control range

The partnership between Allied Motion Inc. (www.alliedmotion.com) and Mclennan Servo Supplies (www.mclennan.co.uk) has been extended with the Surrey-based mechatronics specialists improving its product line coverage of the prominent European and US control manufacturer’s brushless servo motors, direct-drive torque motors, high-performance servo drives... [Read more]

Stainless Steel Rotary Encoders from AMCI

Terryville, CT – AMCI’s DuraCoder® brand encoders are now available with stainless steel housings and an IP69K rating for operation in the most extreme conditions. AMCI DuraCoders have a superior shaft load rating; providing a longer life cycle than other encoders. Many industrial applications require encoders that withstand a variety of... [Read more]

BiSS Interface for B&R’s ACOPOS Servo Drives

B&R has extended its wide range of plug-in modules for the ACOPOS servo drive family to include a module for evaluating BiSS encoders. The BiSS fully digital bidirectional sensor interface is an open and license-free communication standard that allows sensor data to be read synchronously, securely and quickly. The BiSS interface is characterized... [Read more]

Sick introduces new linear encoder for positioning robotics and machine tools

Sick (www.sick.co.uk) is proud to announce the release of its latest high-compact absolute linear encoder, the TTK70. It is designed as a motor feedback system for linear motors or for positioning machine tools and robotics. The high-performance magnetic encoder gives a very reliable alternative to fragile optical scales, with an accuracy of ± 10 microns... [Read more]

EtherNet/IP Absolute Multi-turn Encoder from AMCI

Terryville, CT – Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI), has released the NR25 series of heavy-duty EtherNet/IP DuraCoder® encoders. These networked rotary sensors provide an overall measuring range of 16 bits (single-turn resolution) plus 14 bits (number of revolutions), or 30 bits total. With both single-turn and multi-turn versions available,... [Read more]

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces EVM58 Ethernet IP Encoders

TWINSBURG, OH – Pepperl+Fuchs introduces EVM58 Ethernet IP Encoders. Available in single or multi-turn configurations, these rotary encoders provide highly accurate absolute machine position or velocity feedback to the system controller via an industry-standard Ethernet/IP interface. Ethernet IP Encoders are also compatible with a variety of... [Read more]

HBA4 Absolute Encoders from US Digital

US Digital announces the release of its latest absolute, blind hollow bore shaft encoder, the HBA4. HBA4 absolute encoders are used as azimuth and elevation position sensors in two axes tracking systems, commonly used in solar applications.This single turn absolute encoder provides 16-bits of resolution over 360 degrees of shaft rotation. The... [Read more]

Unique Rotary Ring Encoder from RSF

Tarsdorf, Austria – A new modular steel tape rotary encoder from RSF Elektronik is now available for measurement applications with diameters of 6 inches (150 mm) to 6 feet (~2 m). Named the MSR 40, this unique and versatile encoder is available in North America through HEIDENHAIN Corporation. Applications for this economical ring encoder... [Read more]

New Modular Encoder offers flexibility from CUI

CUI Inc. (www.cui.com) unveiled the latest addition to the company’s high-resolution, low-cost AMT encoder line, the new AMT303 series. This encoder generates U/V/W commutation signals for vectoring current to brushless motors. Through the AMT303′s SPI (“Serial Peripheral Interface”), resolutions can be set. Commutation output can hold brushless... [Read more]

Kübler by TURCK Expands Encoder Line

Minneapolis, MN— Kübler by TURCK has expanded its encoder line to include the Sendix® 5006 2-inch incremental encoder, featuring a completely stainless steel housing and Viton® seals to resist corrosion and physical abuse in harsh plant environments. The Sendix 5006 incremental encoder can handle large fluctuations in temperature, from -40... [Read more]

High-resolution Magnetic Rotary Encoder

Unterpremstaetten, Austria – austriamicrosystems announces the AS5055 magnetic rotary encoder with automatic power-down and wake-up modes. Targeted for low-power battery operated applications such as robotics, the AS5055 is also well suited for other position sensing applications requiring small size and high resolution. The AS5055 integrates... [Read more]