[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
In this post, we will give you a brief introduction to encoders and answer the most basic questions about encoders such as: What is an encoder, how does it work and where is it used?<\/p>\n
An encoder is a sensor that provides feedback for accurate motor control related to speed and positioning. There are two main encoder types and these are known as incremental encoders and absolute encoders.<\/p>\n
Incremental encoders <\/em><\/strong>identify feedback in real-time and track precise motion related to changes in position and direction, rather than referencing a specific point. They achieve this by providing feedback on the relative movement between positions with continuously high and low feedback pulses.<\/p>\n Absolute encoders<\/em><\/strong> on the other hand, show exact position, but their increasing complexity makes them more expensive and means that incremental encoders are often a more economical choice for most applications.<\/p>\n An encoder’s sensor usually operates on an optical or magnetic principle. Optical encoders pass infrared light emitted from an LED through a metal code wheel comprising clear and opaque segments that create distinct light signals received by optoelectronic sensors. This technology means that optical encoders are able to create very accurate and precise positioning. In addition to the high accuracy, the measurement of an optical encoder is unaffected by potential magnetic interference.<\/p>\n A magnetic encoder, on the other hand, consists of a magnetized disc with a number of poles around its circumference. Here, sensors detect the change in the magnetic field as the disk rotates, such as those measured by Hall-effect devices that monitor the change in voltage. Magnetic encoders are ideal for use in demanding applications that can potentially be exposed to impacts or ingress of unwanted dust, liquids, or the like.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/gearcentralen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Incremental-vs.-absolut-encoder.png” alt=”Incremental encoder vs. absolute encoder” title_text=”Incremental vs. absolute encoder” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Image credit: Machine Design<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n As the encoder rotates, it generates two square signals, A and B, which are normally 90 degrees out of phase with each other. By measuring the phase shift of the A and B outputs, the direction of the encoder can be determined. To measure its travel distance or speed, the resolution of the encoder must also be taken into account. Resolution is the number of measurement points within a 360 degree rotation of the shaft. The greater the number of points, referred to as Lines per Revolution (LPR) or Pulses per Revolution (PPR), the greater the accuracy of the measurement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By understanding how encoders provide feedback to motor control, we can see how their use is crucial across different applications. For example, robotic grippers can be used to handle relatively fragile components. Its main task is to ensure that the right amount of pressure and speed is used to properly handle the components to avoid damaging them. Thanks to an encoder, the operation of the robot gripper is optimized by motion control of the motor speed and position specific to each component it handles. Similarly, pick and place applications used in the assembly of electronic equipment require high-speed motion control to quickly and repeatedly detect the size and weight of PCB components and place them with precision. Encoders enable this control at high speed and high accuracy to ensure productivity and quality of manufacturing.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|-10px|auto||” custom_padding=”0px|98px||98px||true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/gearcentralen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/RG6_0.jpg” alt=”Onrobot Robot gripper RG6″ title_text=”RG6_0″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” custom_margin=”|-30px||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/gearcentralen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/3FG15_Picture_Product_Subpage_0.jpg” alt=”Onrobot robotic gripper ” title_text=”3FG15_Picture_Product_Subpage_0″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nHow does an encoder work?<\/h2>\n
Where are encoders used?<\/h2>\n