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Incremental Encoders

Incremental encoders provide speed, direction and relative position feedback by generating a stream of binary pulses proportional to the rotation of a motor or driven shaft. Dynapar offers both optical and magnetic incremental encoders in 4 mounting options: shafted with coupling, hollow-shaft, hub-shaft or bearingless. Single channel incremental encoders can measure speed which dual channel or quadrature encoders (AB) can interpret direction based on the phase relationship between the 2 channels. Indexed quadrature encoders (ABZ) are also available for homing location are startup.

FILTER BY INCREMENTAL TYPES. . .
Shaft/Bore Size

Select Shaft/Bore Size: Measure your current shaft size to find the best incremental encoder match. Non-matching shafts can be joined with a flexible coupling with mixed bore sizes or by using a shaft adapter.

Mounting Style

Select Mounting Style: Shafted incremental encoders are connected by a flexible coupling, belt pulleys, or a drive wheel. They are on a support frame or bracket. Hollow bore encoders slide over and clamp directly onto the drive shaft for space savings. Learn more about mounting methods here.

Flange Size (Max Housing Diameter)

Select Flange Size (Maximum Housing Diameter): Note the amount of available space to fit the encoder. Use flange size to narrow select by the maximum outside diameter of the encoder body, exclusive of connectors or terminal blocks. 

Connector Type

Choose Connection Type: Select from a range of available standard incremental encoder connections, including MS, M12, or Latching Connectors, to match current mating connectors. See a visual guide to common connection types here.

How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions about Incremental Encoders

What is an incremental encoder used for?

An incremental encoder is used to identify speed and direction. Operators use incremental encoders for closed loop speed feedback applications where precise coordination between motion devices is required.

How does an incremental encoder work?

There are optical and magnetic type incremental encoders. Both types consist of a spindle assembly, sensor, and cover. As the spindle assembly rotates, the sensor detects motion and translates mechanical motion into electronic pulses. The pulses can then be processed by a controlling device for the purpose of determining speed, direction and relative position.

Learn more about the technology of incremental encoders here

What is difference between an incremental and absolute encoder?

The major difference between an incremental and absolute encoder is that an incremental encoder only provides relative position data to an index location while an absolute encoder provides unique position data without the need to home. Therefore, absolute encoders work in situations where homing at startup is not an option or where immediate operation after power failure is a priority.

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