absoluutkooder

An absoluutkooder, often translated as absolute encoder, is a type of position sensor that provides a unique digital code for each distinct position of a rotating shaft. Unlike incremental encoders, which require a reference point and count pulses to determine position, an absolute encoder directly outputs the current angular position without needing to return to a home position. This means that even after power loss and restoration, the encoder immediately knows its precise location.

The output of an absolute encoder is typically a binary code representing the angle. This code can be represented in various formats, such as Gray code or pure binary. The resolution of an absolute encoder determines the number of distinct positions it can distinguish. A higher resolution means more possible positions and thus a more precise measurement of the shaft's angle.

Absolute encoders are used in applications where maintaining accurate position information is critical, even during power interruptions. Examples include robotics, industrial automation, CNC machinery, and aerospace systems. Their ability to provide immediate and unambiguous position data makes them suitable for scenarios requiring high reliability and precise control. The internal workings of an absolute encoder usually involve a disc with a unique pattern of opaque and transparent segments or conductive tracks. A light source and sensors, or electrical contacts, read this pattern to generate the digital output code corresponding to the shaft's angle.