Intelligent Detection-Encoders and pulse generators - SCANCON

SCANCON specializes in the design, development and production of incremental and absolute encoders, miniature encoders, measuring wheels, connectors and mounting accessories. Especially in the fields of offshore, maritime, oil and gas, SCANCON offers many possibilities, including for ATEX zones.

An encoder is an electronic communication device that controls the motion of an operating device/controller. Encoders help determine the speed, number of revolutions, direction or position of a motor or other moving equipment.

Motion converted to electrical signal

Motion is converted by the encoder into an electrical signal. This signal is then read by a control device in a motion control system such as a counter or a PLC. An encoder generates pulses and is therefore also called pulse generator mentioned. 

The encoder sends a feedback signal that can be used to determine position, direction or speed or to count. A motion control system can use this information to send a particular command.

Programmable functions encoder

In addition, some encoders have programmable functions such as resolution and direction of rotation. For higher resolution - instead of a square wave - a sine and cosine signal. These encoders are also called sincosencoders. Nowadays more and more encoders are used with a serial output.

There are basically two types of encoders: absolute and incremental encoders.

Absolute encoders

Absolute encoders use a unique code for each position and send these unique positions as soon as the encoder is turned on. The absolute encoder indicates when the position has changed and provides an indication of the "new" absolute position of the encoder.

Unique bit configurations

Absolute encoders generate unique bit configurations to track the position of the encoder. Even movements that occur while the system is no power has, are converted into accurate position values as soon as the encoder is turned back on.

Encoders are used in numerous applications such as automotive, laboratory and medical equipment, robotics, automation and electric motors.

Multiturn encoders

Multiturn encoders are absolute encoders that also count the number of revolutions. A singleturn absolute encoder measures the absolute position within one revolution. 

Incremental encoders

Incremental encoders give no signals about the absolute position, but provide information only when the absolute position has changed. This information may include, for example, angle, position or number of revolutions. Incremental encoders generate a series of pulses, also called pulse train mentioned, which are used to determine position and speed. The resolution of the incremental encoder is defined by the number of pulses or strokes per revolution that the encoder transmits to the controller for each revolution.

Determining the current position

The actual position can be determined by the controller by counting prefixed pulses or dashes. Each time the encoder is turned on, the count starts from zero, regardless of where the axis is located. Therefore, the starting position of a reference point is unavoidable in all positioning tasks, both at control system startup and when power to the incremental encoder is interrupted. 

Want to read more about the two different types of encoders and the different application areas? Then take a look at the following product page: https://fortop.nl/solutions/producten/absolute-incrementele-encoders/