What is an Encoder?
• Encoder is a sensor which converts the motion
(rotary or linear) into electronic pulses,
voltage or current
Why do we need Encoders?
Encoders and sensors allow control and feedback loops to be established
Without the knowledge of position and/or speed it is impossible to maintain
accuracy and control
Information provided by encoders and sensors is limited by various things
including data transmission frequency and also by the physical limits of the
system being controlled
Diagram shows a type
Servo Motor Control System
With an Encoder
Types of Encoders
Incremental Absolute
Encoders Encoders
Rotary (Quadrature) Rotary (Eg. Potentiometer)
Linear Linear (Rheostat, LVDT)
Incremental Encoder (Rotary)
Incremental encoder gives out pulses when certain rotation
or linear motion is applied to its shaft. Incremental
encoders are available for both linear and rotator motion
Pulses from LEDS are counted to provide rotary position
Two detectors are used to determine direction (quadrature)
Index pulse used to denote start point otherwise pulses are
not unique.
Construction
Working principle
Application of Incremental Encoder
Incremental Encoders are also used for to detect linear motion too.
Absolute Encoders
Absolute encoders have a unique code that can be detected for each
angular position or linear position
Absolute encoders are much more complex and expensive than
incremental encoders
Absolute Encoder has ability to retain the actual position even after the
power is off.
Gray Scale
Gray Scale
Absolute Encoder (Rotary)
Applications
While a lead screw or rack-and-pinion converts rotary motion to linear
motion, an encoder converts the same motion into electronic pulses.
The pulses typically are used as input signals for counters, PLCs, or
numerical-control equipment
Applications
Roll or sheet materials need to be measured during transport through
converting or cut-to-length machinery. An encoder, when combined with a
measuring wheel or coupled to a roller, will produce electronic pulses equal
to units of length. Since fractional units may be measured, very precise
operation is possible
Leadscrew Application of Encoder
Pitch
Resolution of Encoder
Ball Screw Example
Calculate how much rotational
motion (in degrees) would move
the table
Encoder Resolution (PPR) = 500
Lead Screw Pitch (LSP) = 10 mm
A. If the encoder counts 25 pulses,
How much distance would the table travel?
Distance Traveled = LSP x Pulse Count
PPR
B. If the Motor rotates 45 degree, how much
distance would the table travel?