Incremental encoders determine rotary position by generating a specific number of pulses per revolution (PPR) and counting those pulses as the encoder spins. The PPR rating indicates resolution, and is typically the most important factor when selecting an incremental encoder. But how do you determine what PPR is needed for a specific application? Fortunately, establishing the required […]
Incremental Encoders
Resolver versus encoder — what’s the difference?
Resolvers and encoders are both devices that measure the rotary position of a shaft by converting mechanical motion into an electrical signal. Resolvers have a longer history, originally used in military applications and adopted for industrial use due to their rugged design. But encoders are taking the place of resolvers in many applications. What’s driving the shift […]
FAQ: What do X1, X2, and X4 position encoding mean for incremental encoders?
An encoder is a device that measures position, and in some configurations, can also measure direction. Rotary encoders measure rotation of a shaft, while linear encoders measure distance traveled. For both types of encoder, the position measurement can be either incremental or absolute. An incremental encoder measures change in position, but does not keep track of […]
Linear encoder types — and parameters for selection
Linear encoders monitor linear movement and provide position feedback in the form of electrical signals. In servo driven systems, linear encoders supply the precise position of the load, typically in addition to the speed and direction feedback provided by the motor’s rotary encoder. For stepper driven systems, which typically operate in open-loop mode with no position […]
Programmable Encoders: The Next Generation
by Jarrod Orszulak, Product Manager, POSITAL-FRABA The latest programmable encoders offer both incremental and absolute functionality on one hardware platform and can be programmed with a WiFi connection. Programmable incremental encoders have become more common recently. This is largely due to the fact that the measurement characteristics of the device (number of pulses per rotation, […]
FAQ: What are ways to wire an incremental encoder into a motion system?
There are two ways to wire an incremental encoder into a system. One is single-ended wiring and the other is differential wiring. In single-ended wiring, each channel needs only one wire. Channels are any data streams that the encoder produces. For example, a common quadrature encoder has two channels—A and B—to track speed as well […]
