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Rotation encoders
Rotary encoders are essential devices that measure the angular position and rotational movement of shafts or axles. By converting mechanical motion into electrical signals, they enable control systems to interpret data with high precision. Our extensive selection includes both incremental and absolute encoders, offering the versatility needed for various application designs in automation, robotics, and industrial machinery.
The right rotary encoder
These rotary encoders are designed with robust construction to withstand challenging environments, ensuring reliable performance even under harsh conditions. They provide multiple output options and straightforward integration capabilities, making it easy to incorporate them into existing systems. This enhances operational efficiency and data accuracy. Whether precise position measurements are required for motor control, CNC machinery, or robotics, this range of rotary encoders delivers the ideal solution tailored to specific needs.
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Exceptional accuracyRotary encoders provide high precision in measuring angular position and rotational movement, making them essential for automation, robotics, and industrial applications that require reliable feedback.
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Durable constructionBuilt to endure harsh conditions, these encoders resist dust, moisture, and temperature variations, ensuring consistent performance and a long lifespan in demanding environments.
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Flexible integrationAvailable in both incremental and absolute types, rotary encoders offer various output configurations for easy integration into existing systems, enhancing operational efficiency and allowing for tailored solutions.
Considerations for selecting rotary encoders
When choosing rotary encoders for your application, several important factors should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and compatibility:
- Type of encoder: Begin by deciding between an incremental or absolute encoder. Incremental encoders measure relative position changes, while absolute encoders provide a unique position value for each rotation, making them suitable for various application needs.
- Resolution: Assess the resolution specifications of the encoder, which indicate its accuracy in measuring angular position. Higher resolution is vital for precise measurements, so ensure it meets your specific requirements.
- Output compatibility: Consider the types of output signals available such as digital, analog, or communication protocols like RS-232 and CAN. Verify that the chosen output type is compatible with your control systems to ensure seamless integration.
- Environmental conditions: Evaluate the encoder's operating environment. Factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, and exposure to chemicals can affect performance. Choose an encoder designed to withstand these challenges for reliable operation.
- Mounting and size: Review the encoder’s physical dimensions and mounting requirements to confirm it will fit within your installation space and can be easily mounted.
- Speed and response time: Depending on your application, the encoder’s speed and response time may be critical. Select models that can accommodate the required speed and provide timely data updates.
- Durability: Finally, consider the expected lifespan of the encoder. For demanding applications, opt for models engineered for high endurance and reliability to ensure long-term performance.
Careful consideration of these factors will enable you to select the right rotary encoder that fulfills your requirements, ensuring reliable operation and accurate measurements for your application.
To learn more about our range of rotary encoders and to find the perfect solution tailored to your specific measurement needs, contact us today.
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Frequently asked questions about Rotary encoders
Answers to the most important technical Questions
What is a rotary encoder and how does it work?
A rotary encoder is a sensor used to measure the angular position, rotational speed and rotational movement of a shaft or axis. It converts mechanical rotation into electrical signals that can be processed by a control system, drive system or data acquisition system. Depending on the design, a rotary encoder can be incremental or absolute. Incremental rotary encoders detect relative changes in position, while absolute rotary encoders provide a unique position value for every angular position. Rotary encoders are therefore suitable for applications in automation, robotics, mechanical engineering, motor control and industrial machinery. Important selection criteria include encoder type, resolution, output signal, interface, maximum rotational speed, response time, mounting method and environmental conditions. Althen can help select a suitable rotary encoder for the application.
What is the difference between an incremental rotary encoder and an absolute encoder?
The difference lies in how position is determined. An incremental rotary encoder detects changes in position using pulses. The control system counts these pulses and uses them to determine direction of rotation, rotational speed or relative position. After power-up or a power failure, a homing or reference procedure is usually required to determine the exact position again. An absolute rotary encoder, by contrast, provides a unique position value for every angular position. This means the current position is available immediately after power-up without requiring a reference procedure. This is particularly advantageous in safety-related applications, difficult-to-access axes or processes where downtime should be minimised. Incremental rotary encoders are often cost-effective and well suited to speed measurement, motion monitoring and applications with a defined reference point. Absolute rotary encoders are the better choice when the position must be known unambiguously at all times. Althen can help select the appropriate encoder type for the application.
Which applications are rotary encoders suitable for, and when are they less suitable?
A rrotary encoder is a suitable choice when angular position, direction of rotation, rotational speed or changes in position of a rotating shaft need to be detected and output as analogue or digital data. Rotary encoders are particularly suitable for machines, motors, drives, automation systems and applications where fast response times, high rotational speeds and reliable data updates are important. Depending on the model, Althen offers resolutions from 5 bit up to 36,000 pulses per revolution. A rotary encoder is less suitable when the absolute position must be known immediately after power-up or after a power failure. Incremental rotary encoders detect changes in position and therefore usually require a reference procedure. In extremely harsh environments, or in applications involving strong vibration, humidity, contamination or high safety requirements, it should also be assessed whether an inductive, magnetic, RVDT or absolute rotary position sensor would be more suitable. Important selection criteria include resolution, maximum rotational speed, response time, output signal, protection rating, mounting method and environmental conditions. Althen can help select a suitable rotary encoder or an appropriate alternative for the application.