What is an Encoder?
Encoders are advanced sensors used for position feedback in rotating objects.
In this video, Phil asks Henry Gilliland, ES&E's Mechatronics Specialist, about encoders. Encoders are advanced sensors used for position feedback in rotating objects. Henry explains the workings of two types of encoders - incremental and absolute. Incremental encoders send a series of pulses through wires to a controller, which counts the pulses to determine the position. However, they lose their count when the system is turned off, requiring a homing process to reset the count. On the other hand, absolute encoders have a unique address for each position, allowing them to always know their position, even through a power cycle. The choice between the two depends on the application requirements.