When it comes to measuring the speed and direction of motion or position of a rotating shaft, you have to use a rotary encoder. There are 2 main types to consider when you have to choose one: incremental and absolute rotary encoder.
Encoders are one of the most important pieces of equipment for heavy-duty, DC motor applications etc. For instance, absolute encoders help companies with their production and quality control by providing accurate position data.
It is crucial to make the right choice. And that’s why we have put together this short guide of absolute angle encoders to help you understand about them. Keep reading and know the details briefly.
What is an Absolute Angle Encoder?
It is a type of device that is used to give feedback on the following aspects of an object:
- Speed
- Position
- Angular position
- Direction
They are called absolute angle encoder as they provide information about the relative and absolute position of an object, even after a power outage.
They provide a unique position value or data at each point of rotation, which represents the absolute position of the encoder. The encoder will start telling you the exact position of the rotating shaft that it is measuring the moment you switch it on.
It does so by reading a unique code off of a disc that rotates with the shaft with the help of the following types of sensors:
- Optimal
- Magnetic
- Capacitive
The absolute angle encoder can do this without turning the shaft and can keep the position even in instances of temporary power loss.
Benefits of Using an Absolute Angle Encoder
These encoders provide several key benefits when used. Let us know about them below.
- Continuous position data
Absolute angle encoder has the ability to provide continuous position feedback even after power loss or system restarts. This reduces the need for recalibration or resetting. It saves time and reduces downtime in critical systems.
- High precision and accuracy
The absolute rotary encoder offers high-resolution position feedback with each position represented by a unique digital value. This makes them ideal for applications that require precise control like CNC (computer numerical control) machines or robotic systems.
- No homing procedure required
Absolute angle encoders always know their position. This makes them valuable in systems where downtime or recalibration is not an option.
- Durability and reliability
Many absolute encoders can withstand harsh environments with abnormal:
- Temperatures
- Moisture
- Amounts of dust
This makes them useful in industrial settings.
- Multi-turn capability
Position data is stored in this type of absolute encoder. This allows the encoder to track position over longer distances without losing accuracy.
This feature is useful in automated assembly lines and large-scale machinery.
Factors That Affect the Accuracy of Absolute Angle Encoders
We have discussed some factors for you to understand the parameters that affect the accuracy of absolute rotary encoder.
- Environmental conditions
Some conditions like the following can affect the accuracy, range, and ability of the encoder to operate for long periods:
- Extreme temperature
- Humidity
- Dust
- Moisture
- Vibration
- Shock etc.
- Mechanical Limits
The absolute angle encoder must be able to cover the entire range of motion of the object it is measuring. For example, if a motor shaft needs to rotate a certain number of degrees, the encoder must be able to match that.
- Electronics
This affects the range of the encoder. The ability of the control system to process the output signal also affects the range. Higher-resolution encoders require more advanced electronics.
- Manufacturing Technique
It can cause graduation errors.
For example, radial glass encoders can have this error caused by mask accuracy and placement.
- Error Sources
This includes eccentricity error, bearing run out, small imperfections in the grating pattern, variations in the sensing components, and imperfections in signal corrections.
- Encoder Itself
The widths of the lines on the optical encoder disc can vary sometimes. It can show a small error in the pulse’s timing generated by the encoder.
- Mounting
It is connected to the motor or drive shaft of the encoder. The stability and rigidity of the mounting structure can affect the accuracy. The concentricity of the disc pattern to the true centre of the encoder shaft can also affect the accuracy of the encoder.
Bottom Line
So, as you can see, choosing the right absolute rotary encoder requires careful consideration of your application’s accuracy needs, environmental conditions and communication requirements.
This is why you should understand these factors before choosing the encoder to ensure that it integrates seamlessly into your system.
You can get precise position tracking and reliable performance with the absolute angle encoder. Their benefits make them ideal for industries that demand high precision positioning and long-term reliability.
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