Shaft Encoders

Q: What is a shaft encoder?

The shaft encoder serves to track the current position of a motor shaft or other rotational device. This style of encoder has a protruding shaft on one side and requires an encoder coupling, if mounting to a motor shaft, or mounting provisions on the motor side to mechanically connect to the motor.

Q: How does a shaft encoder work?

As the motor shaft turns, a flexible coupling allows the shaft of the encoder to turn. The rotating encoder shaft passes a sensor to detect motion. Based on the shaft rotation speed and direction, the encoder then produces a square wave output used for closed loop feedback.

Q: How do you mount a shaft encoder?

Shaft encoders have a protruding shaft on one end that is typically mounted via a flexible coupling to a dirven shaft or motor shaft. The encoder coupling offers isolation from the motor but usually adds to the axial length of the overall assembly.

View All Incremental Shafted Encoders

See all shafted incremental encoders and encoders with integrated couplings with shaft sizes ranging from 0.125 to 0.625 inch...

View All Absolute Shafted Encoders

View all shafted absolute encoders that can be mounted with a coupling to a motor or driven shaft. Single and multi-turn enco...

Featured Shaft Encoders

H25 Size 25 incremental Encoders

Industry standard size 25 incremental encoders offer reliable feedback with options up to 10,000 PPR, sealing, extended temp range and more.

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Qube 22

2.25" size shafted encoder with unbreakable code disc. Rated at 100G shock and 20G vibration. IP67 sealing available. 1-3,600 PPR.

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AI25 size 25 absolute Shaft encoders

Standard size 25 absolute encoders come with shaft or hub-shaft mounting, multiple protocols including SSI, BiSS, DeviceNet and more.

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E14

Miniature shafted encoder offers ABZ output options with <2.0" size options and differential line driver available. 100-2,540 PPR.

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AR62/63 Magnetic rotary encoder

Compact magnetic absolute encoder built with oversized bearings, wide temperature range and optional IP69K sealing. 12 bit ST, 12-16 bit MT.

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H56

Shafted encoder with 56 C-Face or foot mount, dual shaft and dual isolate output options, 5/8" shaft size. 1 to 5,000 PPR.

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Featured Accessories

Encoder Couplers

Encoder couplings based on encoder shaft size and drive size to provide mechanical connection and thermal/electrical protection.

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Encoder Cables

Find mating cables, cable assemblies with connectors, raw cable and shielded cables in a variety of lengths and output types.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Shaft Encoders

What is a shaft encoder?

The shaft encoder serves to track the current position of a motor shaft or other rotational device. This style of encoder has a protruding shaft on one side and requires an encoder coupling, if mounting to a motor shaft, or mounting provisions on the motor side to mechanically connect to the motor.

How does a shaft encoder work?

As the motor shaft turns, a flexible coupling allows the shaft of the encoder to turn. The rotating encoder shaft passes a sensor to detect motion. Based on the shaft rotation speed and direction, the encoder then produces a square wave output used for closed loop feedback.

How do you mount a shaft encoder?

Shaft encoders have a protruding shaft on one end that is typically mounted via a flexible coupling to a dirven shaft or motor shaft. The encoder coupling offers isolation from the motor but usually adds to the axial length of the overall assembly.

Download a free white paper on encoder mounting techniques here

What are the different types of shaft encoders?

There are two main types of shaft encoders:

Incremental Shaft Encoders – Output pulses that indicate relative position and speed.
Absolute Shaft Encoders – Provide a unique position value for each shaft angle, ensuring precise positioning even after power loss.

What industries use shaft encoders?

Shaft encoders are widely used in:

Robotics & Automation – Motion tracking and positioning.
Manufacturing & Packaging – Conveyor belt and assembly line monitoring.
Medical Devices – Precision motion control in imaging equipment.
Steel & Paper Mills – High-temperature and high-vibration applications.

High-Performance Shaft Encoders for Industrial Applications

View All Incremental Shafted Encoders

View All Absolute Shafted Encoders

Featured Shaft Encoders

H25 Size 25 incremental Encoders

Qube 22

AI25 size 25 absolute Shaft encoders

E14

AR62/63 Magnetic rotary encoder

H56

Featured Accessories

Encoder Couplers

Encoder Cables

Frequently Asked Questions about Shaft Encoders

What is a shaft encoder?

How does a shaft encoder work?

How do you mount a shaft encoder?

What are the different types of shaft encoders?

What industries use shaft encoders?

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