Encoder Knowledge

TTL and HTL encoders are like two siblings with very different personalities. TTL is the chill one, happy with 5V and keeping signals low-key (0–0.8V for “no,” 2–5V for “yes”). It’s great for short chats—close to the controller, no drama. But stretch the cable too far, and noise crashes the party.HT

Optical and magnetic encoders? It’s a friendly competition with different strengths. Optical ones are the perfectionists—using light, a striped disk, and a sensor to hit crazy-high precision. They’re stars in clean, controlled spots like labs or CNC machines. But mess with them—dust, moisture, a bum

Sub-divisional error in linear encoders is a repeating mistake. It happens when problems change the sine and cosine signals from the encoder's read head. This error shows up again and again with each signal period. It does not get worse as you move farther. Sub-divisional error stays very small, in the nanometer range. Even tiny changes are important. Manufacturers put sub-divisional error values in datasheets. This helps you see how much it could change your accuracy. You need low sub-divisional error for good precision in tough jobs.

An incremental encoder helps you track movement. It changes motion into electrical signals. You see it in robots and CNC machines. It is also in medical devices. These devices need to control speed and direction very well. Incremental encoders are different from absolute encoders. They do not keep track of position if the power goes out. More factories and smart machines use them now. This is because they need better ways to control movement.

An optical rotary encoder is a device that converts rotational motion into electrical signals using light. It consists of:A code disk: A rotating disk with a pattern of transparent and opaque segments (or lines) printed/etched on it.A light source (e.g., LED) and a photodetector (e.g., phototransist

Rotary encoders are broadly categorized into two types based on their output and functionality:Incremental Encoders: Output a series of pulses that represent relative motion (e.g., rotation direction and speed). They do not provide absolute position information—only changes from a starting point.Abs