Incremental or Absolute ? Positioning tasks require precise position values to monitor or control motion activity. In many applications position sensing is done using rotary encoders , also called shaft encoders or simply encoders. These sensors transform a mechanical angular position of a shaft or axle into an electronic . This code is represented on the disc in the form of light and dark regions within different tracks.

This combination relates to an absolute numerical value.

Thus, the position value is always directly available, counters are not necessary. In addition it is not possible to get continuously invalid values caused by interferences or . The method is slightly different depending on whether the absolute rotary encoder is optical or magnetic, but the principle is the same either way. There are two discs, both with concentric rings with offset markers. Absolute encoders generate information about position, angle, and rotation counts in type-specific angle steps.

For this, a unique code pattern is assigned to each angle increment. The number of code patterns available per revolution determines the resolution. Each code pattern forms a unique reference, and is therefore . The position of the encoder is available immediately on applying power.

The relationship between the encoder value and the physical position of the controlled . The basic functioning principal of absolute encoders. Broadcom absolute encoders are position feedback devices that report absolute positional information. Encoders can be either absolute. An absolute encoder generates a unique code for each position. They are excellent choices in systems that require failsafe operation.

Absolute multi turn encoders can be used to divide very long linear distances into small measuring steps. BEI absolute multi-turn rotary encoders provide superior position feedback over multiple turns of the input shaft – ideal for inactive or slow-moving devices. The rotational position can be detected by reading the code. This eliminates the need to return to the origin at startup.

RESOLUTE is a true absolute, fine pitch optical encoder system that has excellent dirt immunity, and an impressive specification that breaks new ground in position feedback. Ultra low SDE and jitter result in a rotary encoder system that . The MAis a miniature rotary absolute shaft encoder that reports the shaft position over 360° with no stops or gaps. The MAis available with an analog or a pulse width modulated (PWM) digital output.