Absolute rotary encoders output precise position information—even after a power-off condition—by assigning a unique digital value, or “word,” to each shaft position. But in applications where the encoder makes more than one revolution during the process, there is no way to know how many turns it has completed. At least not with the traditional type […]
Rotary 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 […]
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 is the difference between absolute and incremental encoders?
Rotary encoders track speed and position. Absolute and incremental encoders both do this, but operate differently and have different methods of implementation. Rotary incremental encoders work by generating a series of pulses during movement. The encoder disc (sporting marks or slots) attaches to a power-transmission shaft, and a stationary pickup device mounts nearby. When the […]
Compact servo motors with MILE inductive encoders by maxon
MILE stands for “maxon’s Inductive Little Encoder.” The operating principle is based on the measurement of high-frequency inductive fields, which generate Eddy currents in an electrically conductive target disk. The advantages of a high-frequency inductive measuring method in comparison with classic encoders are: High robustness against dust or oil vapors. This means that no additional […]
Explosion-proof encoder is most compact, for oil and gas
A new flameproof and explosion-proof encoder that meets UL, ATEX, and IECEx standards — Model LP35 from BEI Sensors — is the first hollow-shaft encoder with a 2.01-in. profile that operates directly in Division 1, Zone 1 environments. It’s for oil and gas machinery that must withstand extreme conditions where ignitable concentrations of flammable substances can exist under normal conditions. “In […]
Top encoder trends for 2015: Smarter, more reliable designs
As critical components in motion control systems, encoders have come a long way from the mostly mechanical devices of yesteryear. We asked some leading encoder manufacturers to tell us how encoder designs are changing and what industries and applications are driving those changes. Here’s what those manufacturers said. 1. What are some of the key […]
Magnetic ring encoder benefits large rotating machinery
The Leine & Linde MRI 2000 rotary encoder is designed to provide feedback solutions for large rotating machinery, typically found in the Construction, Pulp & Paper, Oil & Gas, Wind and Marine industries. Introduced two years ago, this encoder has now received significant performance upgrades. The MRI ring encoder is segmented into pieces, something that […]
Bringing on-line vibration measurement to wind turbine generators
Planning maintenance activities on wind turbine generators, rather than dealing with emergencies, can result in significant reductions in operating expenses. To assist in that process, Leine and Linde offers rotary encoders equipped with a web-based Advanced Diagnostic System (ADS) providing real-time tracking of the generator condition. Especially well suited for use in wind turbine generators, […]