Selecting the right encoder for any application

by Balmoral Technologies

Selecting the right encoder 

Initially, the encoders consisted of potentiometers, brush encoders and magnetic encoders with optical encoders and resolvers being rare. Each device had certain limitations. For instance, the potentiometers and magnetic encoders had limited resolution while the brush encoders required frequent maintenance. The optical encoders used incandescent lamps, which were large in size and had limited life expectancy. The resolvers could offer better resolution and accuracy, but were very expensive due to the decoding electronics required. 

However, recent technological developments have brought significant improvements to these encoders with optical encoders and resolvers more commonly used in industry today. With the introduction of the cost effective Smart-Encoders by Autotech, there will be a paradigm shift in the selection and use of encoders for specific applications.