What Is Incremental Rotary Encoder?

The incremental rotary encoder is an electromechanical device that converts the angular motion or position of a rotary shaft into analog or digital code representing that motion or position. It can be used for motor speed and position feedback applications that include a servo control loop and for light- to heavy-duty industrial applications. This device has many uses, including temperature monitoring, machine tool control systems, robotics and automation. It consists of two separate parts: an encoding disk and a decoding disk. The encoding disk has an encoder wheel attached to it, which spins as it moves in relation to the decoding disk. This allows for accurate measurement of angle over time. There are two types of rotary encoders: incremental and absolute. Incremental rotary encoders are the more straightforward and less expensive option, but they require a reference device to calculate motion. Absolute rotary encoders do not need a reference device but cost more and have more points of failure. Regardless of which type you choose, incremental or absolute, it is essential to remember that the price difference between them will be negligible compared to the cost of your project. If you've ever wondered what an incremental rotary encoder is, then you're in luck. They're the little devices that keep your computer from crashing when you click on something, and it does something else instead. They can be either mechanical or optical, which is a fancy way of saying, "they use either a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor." Mechanical sensors are used for applications that run at lower speeds, such as consumer devices like the dial on a car stereo or even the motion sensor in a ball-type mouse. This type of sensor is usually considered cheap, but it can handle only two axes of movement. However, its best feature is its low cost. Despite having only two sensors, its resolution is not affected. There are incremental encoders that have up to 10,000 or more counts per revolution! Optical sensors are used for applications that run at higher speeds or require more precision.