Absoluteenkooderit

Absolute encoders are a type of rotary encoder that directly outputs the angular position of a shaft. Unlike incremental encoders, which track movement from a starting point, absolute encoders know their exact position immediately upon power-up, even after power loss. This is achieved through a unique digital code for each distinct position on the encoder's disk.

The disk within an absolute encoder is typically marked with multiple concentric tracks, each representing a bit in a binary or Gray code. As the shaft rotates, a series of optical or magnetic sensors read the pattern on these tracks, translating it into a digital word that represents the shaft's precise angle. This means that if power is lost and then restored, the encoder will report its current position without needing to be reset.

Absolute encoders are crucial in applications where maintaining accurate position information is vital, such as robotics, industrial automation, and aerospace. They eliminate the need for homing routines or battery backup for position memory, making systems more robust and reliable. Various types exist, including single-turn and multi-turn, with multi-turn versions capable of tracking rotations beyond a single 360-degree cycle.