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An optical encoder is an electro-opto-mechanical sensor that attaches to a shaft and provides angular position information to a counter or controller. The purpose of an encoder is to act as a position feedback device as part of an integrated control system. There are two types of mechanical configurations of encoders, rotary and linear. Each of these can use different sensing technologies, such as, optical, magnetic, or inductive. The most common type are rotary optical encoders.
The optical encoder uses a sensing technology that relies on the interruption of light to detect the encoder's movement. In order for an interruption of light to occur, the encoder must have an internal code disc with opaque lines or patterns that is rotated in the path of a light source, commonly an LED. Thus the code disc serves as a shutter to alternately block (OFF) or unblock (ON) the light to an internal photo detector which senses the changes in the light beam that are then converted into electrical signals. These signals are then passed on to an external control system through the optical encoder's output.
Optical encoders are available in two formats: incremental or absolute. |
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BEI Industrial Encoders (IED) is a company of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST). IED manufactures optical encoders, rotary encoder products, position sensors and associated electronics for the industrial market and motion control applications. IED is the market-leading brand of encoders in North America.
About Custom Sensors & Technologies
Headquartered in Moorpark, Calif., Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) is comprised of industry-leading brands including Crouzet, Kavlico, Crydom, and former divisions of BEI Technologies – Newall and Systron Donner. CST provides sensors, controls, and actuation products for the Transportation, Industrial and Aerospace & Defense markets. |
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