{"id":3234,"date":"2021-03-14T10:02:18","date_gmt":"2021-03-14T10:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanta.com\/robotics-automation\/incremental-encoders\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T13:19:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T13:19:53","slug":"incremental-encoders","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/novanta.com\/robotics-automation\/incremental-encoders\/","title":{"rendered":"Incremental Encoders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Incremental Encoders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Poor precision and inconsistent motor control can derail your projects, leading to costly errors, performance issues and decreased output. You need reliable, real-time data to ensure your machines and robots operate flawlessly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, incremental encoders from Celera Motion deliver the accuracy and speed you are looking for, providing exact position and movement feedback with every rotation. Cost-effective and easy to integrate, our encoders enhance performance and streamline your operations. Upgrade today and keep your projects on track with our incremental encoders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Optical Rotary Encoders<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Optical Linear Encoders<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What is an Incremental Encoder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An incremental encoder is a type of sensor used to convert the angular position or motion of a shaft into electrical signals, measuring the change and direction of motion. They are commonly used in automation, robotics, and motor control systems to ensure accurate and efficient operation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These encoders consist of a readhead and scale. The readhead includes a specific sensor technology and light source, along with any other filtering optics required to direct the light onto the sensor. The incremental encoder scale has a main track comprising lines of equal pitch and an index track. The main track alone does not provide absolute position information, so an index mark is added on a second track to provide a reference position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does an Incremental Encoder Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An incremental encoder works by generating electrical output signals as a rotating shaft moves, providing real-time speed and movement feedback. Inside the encoder, there\u2019s a disc with a pattern of transparent and opaque segments. As the disc rotates with the shaft, a sensor reads this pattern, creating pulses of light that are converted into electrical signals. The controller or drive system counts these pulses to determine the shaft’s position, speed, and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the encoder\u2019s readhead passes over the index mark, it generates an output signal. At power up, the index track tells the controller\/drive when the encoder\u2019s scale is in the zero position; a process that is called a homing routine. After the home or reference position is located, the controller\/drive tracks incremental position changes relative to zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is the Resolution of an Incremental Encoder Increased?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The encoder\u2019s main track is detected to measure high resolution change in position through the conversion of a light intensity signal to sine and cosine signals. By interpolating these signals, the system can increase the counts detected per revolution, and therefore increase the overall resolution of the encoder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Incremental Scale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because of the simplicity of the scale, incremental encoders require less complex sensor technology. They also have zero communication latency which is introduced in absolute encoders. An absolute track provides a unique signal at each location on the scale and due to this added complexity, requires a more advanced sensor technology. The simple design of an incremental encoder makes it a lower cost option for systems that do not require absolute position feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Absolute Scale<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Absolute encoders give you a unique position value for each shaft angle, offering exact position feedback without needing a reference point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Benefits of Incremental Encoders:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n