Rotary encoder, absolute

An encoder is an electronic measuring device used to determine the position and/or speed of a rotating shaft. There are two types of encoder: absolute and incremental.

An absolute encoder outputs a unique signal for each position of the shaft. In other words, an absolute encoder provides the absolute position of the shaft. An absolute encoder consists of a rotating part that is mounted on the shaft and a fixed part that evaluates the signals from the rotating part. The rotating part usually has a pattern of slots or marks arranged in a certain code.

As the shaft rotates, the fixed part of the encoder detects the pattern and decodes the absolute position of the shaft. This position information is typically output in binary form, with each position producing a unique binary signal. The resolution of an absolute encoder is specified in bits and determines the number of possible positions. A typical absolute encoder can have a resolution of 12 or 16 bits, which means it can generate 4096 or 65536 possible positions.

Absolute encoders are used in many applications such as CNC machines, robots, packaging machines, printing machines and many other applications where accurate positioning is required. Unlike incremental encoders, which measure the movement of a shaft relative to a specific reference position, absolute encoders provide direct and independent position measurement without the need for a reference position.
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