Encoder Handbook

For rotary encoders, the terms singleturn and multiturn are used.

A magnetoresistive sensor consists of a resistor made of magnetically sensitive alloy strips such as nickel iron (NiFe).

Find definitions of technical encoder terminologies here.

The resolution is the smallest movement detected by the encoder. It is measured differently depending on the type of encoder.

The accuracy is a measure of how close the output is to where it should be.

Repeatability is the maximum difference between different measurements taken at the same actual position.

The difference between incremental and absolute encoders can be seen as the difference between stopwatch and clock.

We classify linear and rotary encoders according to the type of movement.

In general an encoder is a device that converts data from one format to another.

RLS has developed a few software for use with RLS encoders.

For Nonius technology, the magnetic code carrier consists of two magnetic encoder tracks. The outer track consists of an even number of alternately magnetized poles and is used for high-precision position determination. It is therefore referred to as the master track. The second inner track has one fewer pair of poles than the outer track and is therefore referred to as the Nonius track. This track is used to calculate an absolute position within one revolution of the pole disk. This is done by calculating the angular difference between the two tracks. Encoders with this technology must be calibrated before use. An alternative option to Nonius technology that does not require calibration is AksIM technology.

With a variety of outputs, reading types and encoder body options to choose from, how can one get the best sensor for his application?

LinACE™ has a similar design to magnetostrictive transducers. However, it is not an magnetostrictive type transducer.

LinACE™ has a similar design to LVDT transducers. However, it is not an LVDT type transducer.

Designed for applications which demand that the scale be removed easily, the track system consists of aluminium guide rails available in 1 m and 2 m sections, a scale clamp and joining element. It securely retains the magnetic scale whilst allowing it to expand and contract freely.

HiLin is the best performance linear incremental magnetic encoder for use in harsh environments. The encoder system consists of a readhead and a scale. The readhead is available in incremental output format. There are three different scale options available and each of them has its advantages compared to the other.

SATI stands for Stand Alone Trimming Interface. This is a stand-alone device with calibration and zeroing functions which eliminate the need for a reference encoder and works with dedicated AM4096-based encoders. SATI interface improves the encoder accuracy to +/-0.2°.

LinACE™ is an extremely robust absolute linear cylindrical encoder system designed for integration into the servomechanism as a transducer, providing accurate measurements with excellent resolution and repeatability.