Encoders are quite important in the world today. They have a multitude of applications. The same is true for incremental encoders. Let’s explore them in greater depth below.
What do you mean by Incremental Encoders?
These devices are primarily used to detect changes in the movement of the devices they are attached to. They can map the:
- Movement of the devices they are attached to in any given direction, depending on how you fit them
- Changes in various types of energy to determine the position and movement of the objects they are attached to.
Let’s now learn more about the different variations of these devices below.
Types of Incremental Encoders
Different industries use different types of encoders depending on their needs. So, if you wish to know
Optical Encoder
These incremental encoders are electrically charged mechanical motion sensors that also have a feedback mechanism which consists of:
- An LED light
- A light detector
- A disc with apertures shaped like slots
They work by allowing light to pass through the slot-shaped apertures or gaps, after which it strikes the light detector. The feedback mechanism attached to the light detector then converts this light into waveform signals.
You can study the movement of the devices to which these encoders are attached with the help of these signals.
You can use them in gantry-based robots, CNC machines, etc.
Magnetic Encoders
These encoders detect the changes in the strength of a magnetic field generated from a rotating wheel or ring in a bigger device.
They consist of 3 main components which help them function efficiently:
- A circuit that can sense the changes (the sensor)
- One ring or wheel that rotates endlessly
- A collection of magnetically-charged poles that surround the circumference of the ring or wheel
Generally, you can determine the movement of the devices they are attached to by carefully monitoring the changes in the magnetic field.
Capacitive Encoders
These incremental encoders detect the changes in the amount of capacitance (or the charger per volt that can be stored in a capacitor).
They have 3 main components:
- A transmitter
- One receiver board
- Plates that help conduct the change in the capacitance
People determine the displacement of the devices these encoders are attached to by measuring the change in capacitance.
Additionally, a lot of sensors utilize this change to map important changes, such as:
- Proximity-centric sensors that measure changes in relative distance
- Humidity-centric sensors
- Water or fluid-level centric sensors
- Acceleration-centric sensors, etc.
Inductive Encoders
These incremental encoders detect the changes in the inductance or energy stored in an EMF or electromagnetic field. This field could be generated by various coils, motors, batteries, etc.
Mainly, they have the following components:
- An induction-generating coil
- A circuit that oscillates
- One circuit that is responsible for increasing/decreasing the strength of the signals
- A circuit that determines the presence or absence of an object by processing the signal
- An output signal mechanism that indicates the desired position of the object
People use these incremental encoders to measure both the position and presence or absence of the desired object.
Hall Effect Encoders
These encoders utilize the Hall effect. It refers to the phenomenon during which the lateral movement of electrons across an electric field leads to potential differences.
They consist of the following major components:
- The Hall-effect-centric plate
- A power connection for the device to work
- An array that utilizes the principle of the Hall effect.
Now, these incremental encoders have sensors that utilize this effect to map the changes in the potential of the electric field. You can modify the signal as per your desired resolution after it has been produced.
People use these devices in the fields of agriculture, mining, etc.
Linear Encoders
These devices measure the movement of an object along a straight line in any given direction. They can measure and map the following aspects of an object:
- Speed
- Displacement
- Direction
- Distance
Generally, incremental rotary encoders work well with these types of devices. Linear encoders have 3 main components:
- The tape, which measures the relative distance, displacement, etc. and determines the accuracy of the operation
- A source for the signal that passes along the length of the scale. How the pulse passes over the length of the scale depends on the type of linear encoder (optical or magnetic)
- A transducer which stores all the information about where the signal is stored.
Generally, people use these incremental encoders in elevators, mills, the brakes in a printing press, etc.
Shaft Encoders
These incremental encoders are used along the length of shafts in various mechanical objects. They map the movement of the device or object by studying the rotation of the shaft about its axis.
These devices have the following components:
- A flange mount
- Flexible coupling mechanism
- C-face or ring mount (in the newer variants)
They are easy to use and fit inside the motor. Additionally, they also have a certain degree of insulation against shocks and vibrations, which ensure their longevity. People use them in the textile industry, manufacturing industry, etc.
Wheel Encoders
Simply, these incremental encoders are circular devices that map the changes in the rotatory motion of objects. They have the following components:
- An LED Light
- A wheel with gaps or shafts through which the light passes through
- A sensor to record how light falls on it
- An output or feedback mechanism
You can use the final output to determine the motion of the object whose movement you’re tracking.
You can utilize these incremental rotary encoders in conveyor belts, robots that carry out welding, assemble objects, etc.
Wrapping Up
Hence, as you can see, incremental encoders have a wide variety of applications. So you should use them as per your needs.
You should note that though incremental rotary encoders are used in industrial sectors, they can also be used in other areas.
So, do remember to research the type of encoder you need before you use them. Good luck!
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