Rotary encoder, incremental

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: Incremental encoders and Absolute encoders.

An incremental encoder outputs a pulse signal each time the shaft position changes. In other words, an incremental encoder indicates the relative position of the shaft. An incremental 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 particular code.

As the shaft rotates, the fixed part of the encoder reads the pattern and generates a pulse signal at each position change. The signal typically consists of two phases (A and B) that are 90 degrees apart. These phases are also called quadrature phases because they are used together to determine the direction of rotation of the shaft. There is also another signal, the index signal, which indicates a reference position on the shaft.

The number of pulses an incremental encoder outputs per revolution of the shaft is called the resolution and determines the accuracy of the position measurement. Resolution is usually expressed in pulses per revolution (PPR) or pulses per degree (PPG). A typical incremental encoder can have a resolution of 100 to 5000 PPR, depending on the application.

Incremental encoders are used in many applications such as CNC machines, robots, packaging machines, printing machines and many other applications where accurate positioning and/or speed measurement is required. Unlike absolute encoders, which provide direct and independent position measurement, incremental encoders require a reference position to determine the absolute position of the shaft.
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