Rotary Optical Encoder Calculator

March 18, 2015

Encoder Resolution, RPM & Frequency Calculator We just added an online calculator that provides a way to calculate RPM, Frequency, or line count (optical encoder resolution) by entering in the other two variables. Leave the third field empty (do not enter zero). Use to solve for Frequency, Line Count or...

Finding the Index Pulse of an Incremental Encoder

October 1, 2014

The index pulse, often also called “Z” or “Marker pulse”, of an optical incremental encoder is a once per revolution digital pulse that is used for homing or count verification of incremental signals. In the QD145 and QD200 series of encoders, the index pulse fires when the mark on the...

Finding the Index on an Incremental Encoder with a Digital Multimeter (DMM)

August 10, 2014

Sometimes you don’t have the right tools to do the job. Let’s say you needed to identify where the index pulse was firing on your incremental encoder, but you left your oscilloscope in your other jacket pocket, and now all you have on hand is a Digital Multimeter (DMM). Well...

Build an Incremental Encoder Quick Tester

May 6, 2014

How to Build a Portable Incremental Encoder Tester Every once in while, it’s nice to have a handheld device that can be used to see quickly if encoder signals are present. I designed and built a quick-tester that allows for fast interface to an encoder without having to drag out...

Ladder Logic to Decode Direction from an Optical Encoder

April 15, 2014

I set up a QR145 optical encoder on a Direct Logic DL06 PLC with some simple Ladder Logic to determine direction based on the A and B incremental inputs. Below is a video of the optical encoder in action: In the PLC I used (DL06), the inputs are filtered, which...

Optical Quadrature Encoders

February 22, 2014

An optical quadrature encoder is an incremental encoder with outputs consisting of two incremental channels that are out of phase by 90 electrical degrees. In each part of the encoder cycle, the two signals are in unique positions relative to each other. By comparing the difference between the high and...

Interlaced Sensor Technology in Rotary Incremental Encoders

May 13, 2013

The shadow technology sensing scheme patented by Quantum Devices Incorporated also corrects for disk centering problems such as disk eccentricity and disk wobble, where the movement and alignment of the disk varies in three dimensions, and normally creates variations in signal amplitude and ultimately output signal.

The HR12 HEDS Replacement Optical Encoder

April 27, 2013

HEDS style encoders have long been a popular choice for an enclosed low line count positional feedback device. The packaging allows for added enclosure protection in a lighter duty encoder. This type of product is often seen in applications such as vending machines, printers, plotters, positioning tables, etc.

Bearing Encoder vs Modular Encoder – Making the Right Choice

March 20, 2013

The following is a comparison of Bearing Encoders vs Modular (Bearingless) Encoders for use in Brushless DC Motors. Construction Bearing encoders have a shaft that is centered to the body of the encoder on a bearing system. Modular encoders have a shaft that does not use bearings so the shaft/disk...

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