Incremental encoder development and production

Incremental Encoders are electromechanical angular position transducers, being rotary devices that convert the angular position of their rotary axis into electrical impulses. They are termed ‘incremental’—or else ‘relative’—as they measure the incremental displacements of the rotor with respect to a zero point. The resulting output signal consists of a train of electrical pulses that can be processed via an external counting or control instrument. In magnetic encoders, a fixed sensor measures the variation in the magnetic flux generated by a rotating magnetised disk. In the optical versions, instead, an optical sensor reads a reference matrix.

Operation

Unlike for absolute encoders, in incremental rotary encoders the signals encode the movement of the rotor specifically in an incremental way in respect of the previous position. By processing such data, it is possible to determine the absolute position of the rotor, performing a search operation of reference at the end of each stroke. In the event of a power failure, the position data is lost. For its retrieval, a search of the reference point must be completed returning the rotor to the zero position. In magnetic incremental encoders, the detection of the movement is carried out by measuring variations in the magnetic flux. This contactless system eliminates issues with wear and tear, thus extending the encoder life. In optical incremental encoders measurements are taken by photosensors that read a matrix with opaque and transparent sections, used as a reference for the movements made.

Applications

Incremental rotary encoders are very common in several industrial fields, as they are mounted on automatic operating machines to carry out advances and positioning in predetermined steps. Such solutions are normally combined with counting, visualisation and control systems. The number of sectors in which incremental encoders are used is vast and includes:

• The textile industry
• Driverless transport systems
• Elevators
• Robotics
• Labelling systems
• Winches and rigs
• Agricultural machinery

Custom models

In addition to a series of widely used standard models, ELAP develops and produces customised incremental rotary encoders, devised to measure displacements in the customer’s specific industrial processes. Thanks to the extremely vast possibility of configuration and calibration of our instruments and to our internal design studio, ELAP products can be tailored to any specific need you may have.

Contact us today for further information, clarifications or quotes regarding *** ELAP!