Rotary and linear optical encoders are common in position and motion sensing. Here, a disc or plate containing opaque and transparent segments passes between an LED and detector to interrupt a light ...

Rotary encoders are electromechanical devices used for sensing in myriad applications—on motors paired with drives and automated machinery for everything from consumer electronics, elevators, and ...

Is it really possible to build a rotary encoder out of a flattened tin can and a couple of photodetectors? Sure it’s possible, but what kind of resolution are you going to get from such a contraption?

Rotary encoders convert rotary movement or angular position into analogue or digital signals for use in measurement or control systems. They can be classified in a number of ways, primarily by the ...

With six channels, the RCM1 rotary optical encoder eliminates Hall-Effect sensors inside of motors. The 2.1-inch diameter encoder simplifies assembly and eliminates Hall sensor alignment, increasing ...

Available in industry standard ring diameters from 52mm to 413mm, the RESM encoders feature 20mm scale marked directly on the ring periphery, and an embedded In-Trac autophase optical reference mark ...

Last year, Automation World examined the differences between accuracy, resolution, and precision in the encoder world. And while understanding the differences among these terms is important to ...

In aviation the term fly-by-wire means that the control surfaces of an aircraft are operated by actuators rather than via cables and rods, with electrical signals transmitting information from the ...

This article is part of the Ideas for Design Series: Vol. 3, No. 8. In many applications, accurately sensing the position of an electrically controlled mechanical device such as a motor is critical.