Motion-control or industrial automation system designers who need to measure the rotation of shafts or other mechanical components can typically choose from two types of rotary encoders. Encoders ...

Is it really possible to build a rotary encoder out of a flattened tin can and a couple of photodetectors? Sure it’s possible, but what kind of resolution are you going to get from such a contraption?

Rotary encoders are pretty interesting pieces of technology. They’re a solid way to accurately measure rotation including the direction. [David] recently wrote some software to handle these input ...

These IXARC magnetic encoders withstand harsh environments and are modular for maximum versatility. Rotary encoders measure the rotation of machine shafts and report the results to electronic controls ...