Optical Encoder: Understanding the Basics

An optical rotary encoder uses a reliable, defined pattern of light-and-dark to determine the position of the shaft and, therefore, the position of an object.

The most basic design for an optical rotary encoder is a mask encoder, but there are a multitude of other options that provide even more stability and more feedback information in an increasing variety of application environments.

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What is an Optical Encoder?

Optical Encoder Diagram

An optical encoder is a motion sensing device that utilizes light to convert mechanical motion into electrical pulse signals. It provides accurate position information in industrial applications like robotics, CNC machines, and motor control systems. Accurate motion details, like speed, are achieved sensors that give slightly different signals. They offer high accuracy, resolution, and reliability, and can operate in harsh environments.

How Does an Optical Encoder Work?

The working principle of optical encoders is to use light to detect the position or motion of an object and convert it into an electrical signal. The encoder consists of a light source, a sensor, and a rotating or linear code disk.

Optical Encoder Code Disc

As the disk moves, the light source shines through the disk onto the sensor. The sensor detects the pattern of light and dark areas that the sensor and converts into an electrical signal. These offset signals can provide precise motion information, including speed. Some types of encoders utilize multiple signal outputs to create a more stable signal.

Optical encoders create signals that an integrated circuit processes into digital feedback. The number of slots on the disk and precision of the motion sensor determine accuracy and resolution of the encoder.

HS35R Hollow-shaft Incremental Optical Encoder

Reliable Hollow-Shaft Encoder Offers Extreme Performance for Heavy Duty Applications

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  • Up to 5000 PPR
  • Optical Sensing
  • Up to IP67
AD36 Absolute Hollowshaft Optical Encoder

1.5" OD Compact Hollow-Shaft Absolute Encoder with Up to 22 Bits ST and 12 Bit MT

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  • Up to 22 bit ST, 12 bit MT
  • Optical Sensing
  • Up to IP40
HS35iQ Programmable Optical Encoder

Programmable Hollow Shaft Optical Encoder with Specific Fault Detection Capabilities

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  • Up to 20,000 PPR
  • Optical Sensing
  • Up to IP67

What are the Types of Optical Encoders?

Absolute optical encoders use light to determine the control information. Masked and phased- array are the two types of optical encoders.

Masked Optical Rotary Encoders

Masked Optical Encoder Diagram

Masked optical encoders have four components: a light source, a sensor, a movable disk, and a fixed mask. The LED light shines through one side of the optical shaft encoder, and the encoder disk has a series of tracks on it.

The mask has a corresponding track for every track on the disk of the optical encoder. The tracks of the mask have many small perforations, called windows. The windows that are open versus closed during rotation determine the position of the optical shaft encoder.

Each arc in the rotation indicates a different position and has a different pattern of open/closed windows. The sensor behind the mask identifies the optical encoders’ current pattern. Each sensor represents one single signal for the optical encoder.

Phased- Array Optical Rotary Encoders

Phased Array Optical Encoder Diagram

Phased-array optical encoders are even more reliable than masked optical encoders. They use multiple signal outputs to average together to create a single signal that is delivered by the engine. These multiple signals that are used by an optical shaft encoder are called the array.

By using averages instead of a single reading, phased-array optical encoders have much more stable signals. This means they can be used in less stable environments, such as mining or heavy manufacturing, where vibrations or shock could affect a traditional masked optical shaft encoder. They require less precision during installation than traditional masked optical encoders.

Understanding the pros and cons of different encoders can help determine the best encoder for each application. Optical encoders, both masked and phased-array, have many advantages over other types of encoders.

What are the Advantages of Optical Absolute Encoders?

Optical encoders are a type of rotary encoder that uses light to detect position and rotation. They offer several advantages over other types of encoders, such as:

  • high accuracy and high resolution
  • immunity to radio frequency interference
  • non-contact measurement
  • wide range of operating temperatures and environmental conditions
  • high reliability and long lifespan
  • ability to provide both absolute and incremental position feedback
  • compact size
  • easy installation
  • low power consumption
  • and noise immunity.

In comparison, magnetic encoders use magnets to detect absolute position, offering better durability and resistance to harsh environments. However, they may not offer the same level of accuracy and resolution as optical encoders.

Overall, the choice between optical and magnetic encoders depends on the specific needs of the application. However, for applications that require high accuracy, reliability, and precision, optical encoders, particularly those using Dynapar optical technology, are an excellent choice.

 

What are the Common Applications for Optical Encoders?

Optical encoders are versatile devices that find applications in various industries and fields. They are ideal for high-precision, accurate, and reliable applications, offering several advantages over other encoder types.

  • Industrial Automation & Control Systems: accurate position feedback for conveyor systems, process control, and material handling equipment. Robotics and motion control rely on optical encoders to provide precise feedback for robotic components, ensuring accurate and repeatable positioning and movement.
  • CNC Machines and Machine Tools: accurate feedback for position, speed, and direction control, essential for high-precision machining.
  • Aerospace and Defense Applications (such as aircraft control systems, missile guidance systems, and satellite positioning systems) require precise feedback for position, speed, and orientation control.

Optical encoders are also ideal for: medical equipment and devices, printing and packaging machinery, elevators and escalators, automotive and transportation applications, and renewable energy and power generation applications. They are even used in research and development fields, such as robotics, physics, and biology, to provide precise feedback for positioning and movement control.

Absolute optical encoders are widely used in various industries, offering high precision, accuracy, and reliability for applications that require precise feedback for position, speed, and direction control.

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