The Working Mechanism of Optical Encoders

Manufacturers and fabricators depend on a broad range of machines, tools, and processes to achieve perfection for various tasks. Some of those include robotics, assembly devices, machine tools, and CMMs. Regardless, these industries rely on optical linear encoders to get accurate measurements.

Overall, magnetic linear encoders play an important role in manufacturing and fabrication. In simple terms, they produce electrical signals that provide important feedback regarding several key functions of the different machines used. For example, encoders give feedback on things like position, direction, speed of motion.

The Mechanism of Incremental Linear Encoders

Although somewhat technical, the following provides insight into the working mechanism of optical linear encoders.

Encoders fall into two categories. First, optical rotary encoders respond to rotational movement. Second, optical linear encoders respond to motion that moves along a path. Regardless, they’re both a type of transducer. The encoders have several components, including an LED, photosensors, and discs with slits in them.

The structure of incremental linear encoders consists of a shaft that connects to a circular disc designed with one or more tracks. These tracks have alternating opaque and transparent areas. Then on opposite sides of each track are both an optical sensor and a light source.

With magnetic linear encoders, a disc gets attached to a rotating shaft. The shaft is the type found in the motors of machines used for manufacturing and fabrication processes. At that point, the encoder produces an optical pulse signal. From there, the pulse signal converts into an electrical signal. As stated, that’s the signal that provides valuable feedback for a specific machine.

The purpose of incremental linear encoders is to improve both the resolution and accuracy of a machine. These transducers accomplish that by devising the shape of the slit on the disc. In other words, these encoders have a unique mechanism that can determine if the light does or doesn’t pass through the slit.

Especially for servo control and to confirm the accuracy of high-precision motor control, magnetic linear encoders are essential. Perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of this is that these encoders don’t respond to magnetic fields. So, they work perfectly for applications that generate a strong magnetic field. That’s one reason they’re the go-to solution for large diameter motors.

High-quality Measuring Solutions

At Maintenance Diagnostic Systems, Inc., not only do we provide magnetic linear encoders, but we also offer a host of beneficial services. To keep your manufacturing or fabrication business competitive, contact us today, and one of our company representatives will gladly assist.