• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Motion Control Tips

Automation • Motion Control • Power Transmission

  • News
    • Industry News
    • Editor Blogs
  • Controls
    • HMIs
    • PC-Based Controllers
    • PLCs + PACs
    • Stand-Alone Controllers
    • Software
  • Drives
    • Servo Drives
    • Stepper Drives
  • Encoders
    • Absolute Encoders
    • Incremental Encoders
    • Rotary Encoders
  • Mechanical
    • Bearings
    • Brakes + Clutches
    • Belt + chain
    • Couplings
    • Gears + Gearing
    • Lubrication
    • Shock + Vibration Mitigation
    • Springs + Rings + Seals
  • Linear
    • Actuators
    • Linear Motors
    • Linear Encoders
  • Motors
    • AC Motors
    • DC Motors
    • Brushless Motors
    • Gearmotors
    • Piezo Motors
    • Servo Motors
    • Stepper Motors
  • Systems
    • Conveyors + linear transport systems
    • Gantries + Stages
    • Rotary Tables
    • Grippers + End Effectors
    • Robotics
  • Networks
    • Connections + Sliprings
    • Fieldbuses
    • I/O
    • Sensors + Vision
  • Resources
    • FAQs
      • Motion Casebook
      • Motion Selection Guides
    • Suppliers
    • Video
You are here: Home / FAQs + basics / Motion Selection Guides / How to Size and Select a Transducer for Motion Control

How to Size and Select a Transducer for Motion Control

August 24, 2012 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

A transducer is any device that converts one form of energy into another. It’s also defined as a device that converts a non-electrical quantity into a proportional electrical quantity. Transducers can be used to sense a wide range of different energy forms such as movement, electrical signals, radiant energy, thermal or magnetic energy etc, and there are many different types of both analog and digital input and output devices available.

Transducers for motion control applications come in various types and the choices available depend upon the quantity being measured or controlled. For motion control applications, typically the measured variable is position. Depending on a number of factors, the right transducer may be an encoder or a resolver or a simple potentiometer.

Before deciding on which type of transducer to select, here are some of the most important questions to ask.

For starters, what kind of motion is involved, rotary or linear? Specific transducer types exist for each kind of motion. For instance, there are rotary and linear encoders as well as highly accurate non-contact magnetic encoders for linear motion.

Next, determine the desired accuracy needed. This includes factors such as linearity, resolution, and repeatability. Generally speaking, the greater the accuracy, the more expensive the transducer. This is why knowing the needed accuracy can help you select the best type of transducer and lower the design costs by not paying for more resolution than the application needs.

Along those lines, what range must the transducer measure? For linear applications, is the range a few millimeters or inches or several feet? For rotary applications, if measured in degrees, is the angular distance more or less than 360 degrees? In other words, is the type of encoder needed a single turn or multi-turn device? Also, if selecting an encoder, does it need to be absolute or incremental?

Consider the type of output. Is it voltage or current? Digital or analog? This might also depend on the type of input the controller or drive accepts, or the type of network connection available.

Other considerations may include any physical size or weight restrictions or special installation or mounting requirements. Also, there may be special environmental protection needed depending on conditions such as temperature, humidity, moisture, vibration, or the presence of any corrosive substances.

You Might Also Like

Filed Under: Motion Selection Guides

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

LEARNING CENTER

Design World Learning Center

Motion Control Handbook

“mct
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Design Engineering Professionals.

RSS Featured White Papers

  • Robotic Automation is Indispensable for the Logistics Industry’s Continued Growth and Success
  • Reliable Linear Motion For Packaging Machines
  • Polymers Outperform Metals In Precision Gearing

Footer

Motion Control Tips

DESIGN WORLD NETWORK

Design World Online
The Robot Report
Coupling Tips
Linear Motion Tips
Bearing Tips
Fastener Engineering.
Wire and Cable Tips

MOTION CONTROL TIPS

Subscribe to our newsletter
Advertise with us
Contact us
About us

Copyright © 2025 · WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media.

Privacy Policy | RSS