Rotary Encoder Supplier

Phoenix America’s rotary encoders are an electro-mechanical device that converts the angular position or motion of a shaft or axle to an analog or digital output signals. We manufacture custom incremental, hollow-shaft rotary encoders which are mounted directly to a motor shaft without the need to rely on other mounting crutches such as a tether. The output of an incremental encoder provides information about the motion of the shaft, which typically is processed elsewhere into information such as position, speed, and distance.

The output of incremental encoders provides information about the motion of the shaft, which is typically further processed elsewhere into information such as speed, distance, and position.

An incremental rotary encoder outputs pulses only while a motor is rotating. To determine the shaft position using an incremental encoder, you must know the starting position and the use of external circuitry to count the number of output pulses.

Incremental signals provide a series of high and low waves which indicate movement from one position to the next; there is no special indication provided by the encoder to show the specific position, only an indication that the position has changed. They are devices that provide a series of periodic signals in the form of pulses due to the mechanical motion of shaft revolution.

The speed of an object can be measured by counting the pulses for a period of time. To calculate angle or the distance covered, pulses are counted starting from a reference point.

Rotary Encoder Basics

Rotary Encoder Applications

Rotary Encoders are used in motors paired with drive and automated types of machinery such as elevators, conveyor speed, robotics, consumer electronics, on-road and off-road vehicles, measurement equipment, and food processing machines. They are used in applications that require monitoring or control or both of mechanical systems.

Rotary v. Linear Encoders

The main difference between a rotary and linear encoder is the rotary encoder responds to rotational motion while linear encoders report to motion along a path. The rotary encoder is a photoelectric rotary measuring device and the angular displacement will be directly converted into a digital signal.