The Hall effect is an outcome of the Lorentz force at work. When a thin conductor (or semiconductor) has a steady flow of current running through it and a magnet is placed so that its magnetic field runs perpendicular to this current, the magnetic field of the current reacts to the magnetic field of the […]
Rotary Encoders
What to consider when choosing a rotary encoder
Controlled servo drives are used in many areas of automation technology, converting, printing, handling, and robotics, including production machines and machine tools. The selection of a rotary encoder or encoder technology for use within the system depends on the accuracy requirements of the application and whether the application will use position control, velocity control, or both. […]
Encoder provides both motor feedback and position measurement in one
Designed to fulfill two critical needs via a single component in high accuracy robots, HEIDENHAIN introduces the innovative KCI 12O Dplus rotary encoder. This new unique absolute encoder provides both reliable feedback to a robot’s motor and accurate position measurement to its controller to enable safe and accurate motion. Extremely compact, the KCI 120 Dplus […]
Quantum Devices QML35 rotary encoder replaces RENCO product
Users of now-obsolete RENCO model turn to Quantum Devices. Since being absorbed by Heidenhain, RENCO has eliminated many of their encoder products. The most recent model discontinued is their RCML15 rotary encoder, a slim and lightweight commutating encoder popular among motor designers and used in a multitude of industries. To help fill the needs of […]
What is a gated index pulse for incremental encoders?
Incremental encoders typically use two square-wave signals in quadrature (out of phase by 90 degrees) to track position and direction of motion. But because they only track incremental position (not absolute position) they’re not able to determine the true position of the motor and connected equipment after a shut-down or power loss. So most incremental […]
Encoders with Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ interface for small-motor manufacturers
In order to meet the needs of manufacturers of small servo motors and actuators, HEIDENHAIN introduces an expansion of its small-diameter 1000 and 1100 series rotary encoders with added versions now available with Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ. HEIDENHAIN’s models ECN/EQN 1000S, ROC/ROQ 1000S and ECN/EQN 1100S rotary encoders with integrated DRIVE-CLiQ interface feature a compact design with […]
Networked rotary encoders from Advanced Micro Controls boast new features
Advanced Micro Controls Inc. has added new features to their NR60E2 series of networked absolute rotary encoders. The new features include a Profinet interface, E2 Technology, Hub Shaft (Blind Shaft) Option, and Stainless Steel units. These rotary sensors provide an overall measuring range of 16 bits (single-turn resolution) plus 14 bits (number of revolutions), for […]
What happens when a multi-turn encoder reaches 4096 turns?
One of the first decisions when choosing a rotary encoder is whether it should provide incremental or absolute position feedback. That choice primarily depends on whether the encoder should be able to exactly detect its position upon startup. If so, then an absolute encoder is typically required. When considering an absolute encoder, the next decision […]
Encoder Products absolute encoders – now with improved electronics
EPC’s line of absolute encoders offers magnetic multi-turn technology and higher resolution. Encoder Products Company (EPC) offers a full line of absolute encoders with models in both shaft and blind hollow bore, in sizes 36 mm, 58 mm, and standard size 25 with a 2.5 inch housing. Now, EPC absolute encoders come with even more […]
What features make resolvers suitable for harsh environments?
Resolvers were initially developed for military applications and are probably best known as the preferred feedback solution in harsh environments. Where optical or magnetic encoders are sensitive to dust, liquids, and magnetic fields, resolvers can operate in dirty, humid, wet, and high-radiation environments. But what is it that makes them so robust under conditions that […]
