Incremental encoders provide valuable data for the most accurate information based on real-time measurements for industry and engineering professionals who need a solution for proper feedback.
The incremental encoders can provide input on distance using linear or rotary output signals. Incremental encoders are used for the following
- Heavy duty applications like in the mining industry, steelworks industry, etc.
- Light duty applications like for CNC machines, etc.
- Servo applications like in the textile industry, elevator industry, industrial robotics industry, etc.
What is an incremental encoder?
These encoders use mechanical system information like source position and changes in movement, to provide electrical output signals that are translated digitally.
An incremental encoder can provide information about the following things about an object:
- Distance
- Speed
- Linear position.
How does an incremental encoder work?
This encoder provides feedback on distance, speed, and rotational angle. Know the specific mechanics behind how an incremental encoder works.
An incremental encoder uses a fixed light and transducer as well as a rotary disc with opaque slots. The light produces a binary code through pulse signals when passing through the slots of the rotary disc.
The pulse signals look like square waves on an oscilloscope. Some specific designs can also convert these signals into sine or cosine waves. The wave signals are used to regulate the angular movements of an object.
They can also be used to control an object’s linear or rotational motion.
Linear encoders work on the same principles just like the regular encoders, like using a fixed light and slots. People often use these encoders in the same fields as incremental rotary encoders.
Types of incremental encoders
The two main types include rotary and linear type encoders. Let’s talk about them below.
● Rotary type
It provides information on position and direction. Incremental rotary encoders use a circular disc with various open slots and a fixed LED light or transducer to work.
This encoder has fixed slots on a spinning disc that give output signals later clarified based on pulses per revolution.
● Linear type
It provides information about the exact position and positional angle with direction. This encoder works by doing the measurement of an output signal produced by a transducer placed on a scale.
A motion controller is enrolled with the linear incremental encoder to translate the output signal.
This type of linear encoder is kept for use in settings where there is a linear movement like a conveyor belt or machine stripping.
Applications of Incremental encoders
An incremental encoder is designed to be versatile. This means that you can use them in various industries, as seen below:
● Heavy duty
You will find that incremental encoders are used for heavy-duty use across the following industries:
- Paper
- Steel
- Wood production centres
- Mining,
- Automobile
- Automation etc.
● Light duty/servo
People use them for light-duty applications in the following industries:
- Robotics
- Electronics
- Semiconductor.
Advantages of incremental encoder
Using incremental encoder provides various benefits:
● Less expensive
An incremental encoder is made up of a few parts. This makes them:
- Easy to install
- Less expensive
That’s why quite a few people prefer using them as opposed to absolute encoders.
● Simple components
Incremental encoders are made up of simple hardware. This makes them easy to use across various industries, from robotics to mining, automobile, automation, and so on.
● Easy to use
You can see that the machine automatically records a pulse signal based on the number of signals per cycle. You can use devices like incremental encoders to easily measure:
1. Distance travelled
2. Direction
3. Speed
4. Position change based on reference points.
● Flexible scaling functionality
People use these encoders for:
- Light and heavy-duty applications
- Taking measurements of position and direction.
You can use an encoder that comes with two output channels that make two signals to regulate position and direction.
● Speed control
People use them in production industries and assembly lines with higher or lower counts.
This means that you can use them in factories which manufacture:
1. Tools
2. Dyes
3. Milling machines, etc.
● Multi-turn encoders
The incremental encoders can produce information about the degree of rotation and the total number of rotations of an object when used as a multi-turn encoder.
Wrapping Up
Whether you need a custom incremental rotary encoder or a normal regular incremental encoder for research and development, you get help from any of these. So you should ensure that you clearly define your requirements and find a solution for your needs.
Additionally, if you’re still hesitating, then do remember that using these devices let you enjoy the following advantages:
- Easy to use
- Flexible enough to use
- Less expensive
- Speed control, etc.
Also, people use them across a variety of industries, such as:
- Mining
- Robotics
- Automation
- Paper making
- Semiconductor
- Steel making, etc.
So, do go ahead without having any second thoughts! Good luck!
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