Rotary encoder

A rotary encoder, also called a shaft encoder, is an <a href="/facts/Electro-mechanical/0D5gkXko">electro-mechanical</a> device that converts the <a href="/facts/Angle/gFUTEQYq">angular</a> position or motion of a shaft or axle to <a href="/facts/Analog_signal/xDbb4uB5">analog</a> or <a href="/facts/Digital_signal/pKYKbxfK">digital</a> output signals.
There are two main types of rotary encoder: absolute and incremental. The output of an absolute encoder indicates the current shaft position, making it an <a href="/facts/Transducer/YS7zfv9d">angle transducer</a>. The output of an incremental encoder provides information about the motion of the shaft, which typically is processed elsewhere into information such as position, speed and distance.
Rotary encoders are used in a wide range of applications that require monitoring or control, or both, of mechanical systems, including industrial controls, <a href="/facts/Robotics/wkmvodJz">robotics</a>, <a href="/facts/Photographic_lens/TkL6sd1b">photographic lenses</a>, computer input devices such as optomechanical <a href="/facts/Computer_mouse/fJpa1tUE">mice</a> and <a href="/facts/Trackball/wr6XIp1x">trackballs</a>, controlled stress <a href="/facts/Rheometers/tn2DmtEo">rheometers</a>, and rotating <a href="/facts/Radar/jk9BTbFA">radar</a> platforms.

Rotary encoder open-in-new

Rotary encoder