Rotary Encoder Disks

Rotary encoder disks are round or disk-shaped and have evenly-spaced holes or markings around their perimeter. They are usually made of metal, plastic, glass or paper; however, products that are made from other materials are also available. Typically, rotary encoder disks are made by cutting slots in the material, or by printing alternating dark and light areas. Rotary encoder disks that use optical techniques are paired with a light emitting diode (LED) and optical detector to "read" slot patterns as they pass in front of the optics. Devices that are paired with optical elements become rotary encoders. These are used to detect both the speed and direction that an encoder disc is turning.

There are several patterns for rotary encoder discs that are made by printing or cutting alternating dark and light areas. Quadrature, a common technique, offsets two sets a half line-width apart to produce four counts per line. Other types of patterns permit different types of output signals from the optical encoder. As a rule, the resolution or counter per revolution of a rotary encoder disk depend upon how closely the slot pattern is placed.

• Optical Incremental and Absolute Rotary Encoders
  The purpose of an encoder is to act as a position feedback device as part of an integrated control system. The encoder is an electro-optomechanical device that attaches to a rotating shaft providing...
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