Snúningsskynjur

Snúningsskynjur, also known as rotary encoders, are electromechanical devices used to convert the angular position or motion of a shaft into an electrical signal. This signal can then be interpreted by a microcontroller or other digital systems to determine the precise position and speed of rotating components.

There are two main types of snúningsskynjur: incremental and absolute. Incremental encoders generate a series of pulses as the shaft rotates. By counting these pulses and observing their sequence, the system can track the relative change in position. They do not provide an absolute position reading upon startup, meaning their initial position is unknown.

Absolute encoders, on the other hand, provide a unique digital code for each distinct angular position of the shaft. This means they can report their exact position immediately upon power-up, without needing to move to a reference point. This makes them suitable for applications where maintaining positional knowledge even after power loss is critical.

Snúningsskynjur are widely used in various industries. They are found in robotics for joint control, in CNC machines for precise axis positioning, in industrial automation for conveyor belt speed monitoring, and in consumer electronics like volume knobs and joysticks. Their ability to translate mechanical rotation into digital data makes them indispensable components in modern control systems.