‘Smart’ incremental encoders will cut the need for spares

Published: 11 March, 2015

The US encoder manufacturer, TR Electronic, has announced a new generation of programmable incremental rotary encoders that allow users to adjust and display absolute position, RPM, over-and under-speed, and count direction. TR calls the I__58:2 series encoders “intelligent” and says that they can do everything that an absolute rotary encoder can do.

“Incremental encoders are normally dedicated-output, fixed-disk devices used on a variety of machines, which often produce different encoder output data levels,” explains TR’s sales and distribution manager, Stephen Watson. “This translates into keeping several encoders in inventory as spares.

“The launch of our new I__58:2 encoder series changes all that,” he continues. “It offers our customers a fully configurable solution. Customers can now stock one encoder for multiple uses.”

Users can program the encoders’ resolution, TTL/HTL output, index gating (pulse width and position) and output (over/under-speed switching). The encoders provide accuracies measured in arc-seconds, as well as producing reference pulse position presets via a connector.

TR's "intelligent" incremental rotary encoders "can do everything an absolute encoder can do"

The encoders are available in high-resolution versions and various mechanical configurations. Atex-compliant and heavy-duty options are also available.