All transducer types, rotating and linear, can be supplied in absolute and incremental versions. On these encoders, many technologic solutions can be supplied (among them, special micrometric adjustment inside the encoder), which give the possibility to attain high qualitative levels, both in precision and reliability. The available product range:
- Incremental Encoders
- Absolute Encoders
- Linear Potentiometers
- Digital Counters
Optical incremental encoders are linear/angular position sensors that use light and optics to sense motion. Because optical encoders can provide position information at high speeds, they are typically found in position and velocity feedback systems. For example, optical encoders are often found in motion control systems.
The basic principle of the single turn absolute measurement is the optical scanning of a transparent disk with code print. The code disk is connected to the shaft that is to be measured. By evaluating the code and two additional incremental signals the absolute position of the shaft can be determined with a resolution of up to 65536 steps per revolution (16 bits).
So-called Multiturn-devices use reduction gears and further code disks to determine the absolute shaft position over up to 16384 revolutions (14 bits). The position value is calculated in an integrated microprocessor and transmitted over the Profibus.
Linear optical encoders sense linear motion. Linear encoders replace the rotating disk with a stationary scale marked at equally spaced intervals. The scale of a linear encoder can be constructed from glass, metal or tape (metal, plastic…). The markings on the scale are read with a moving head assembly that contains the light source and photodetectors. The resolution of a linear encoder is specified in units of distance and is dictated by the distance between markings. Linear encoders are available in lengths from several centimeters to hundreds of meters and resolutions as low as a micron (or less).
The laser optical encoder is another type of motion sensor. Although these devices use a different measurement approach internally, they offer the same functionality as standard encoders. Laser optical encoders also provide substantially higher resolutions at a higher price.
– We are capable of offering the most accurate encoders available on the market. Contact Us for the highest quality from the world leaders, because we believe “every turn counts”.
