How a rotary encoder measures rotation
In short: An encoder turns a shaft's rotation into pulses that a controller counts.
1. The encoder is fixed to a turning shaft. 2. A disc with a pattern of slots turns with the shaft. 3. The slots pass between a light and a sensor. 4. Each mark passing makes an electrical pulse. 5. Counting pulses tracks how far the shaft has turned, for position feedback.
Sources: Wikipedia, “Rotary encoder (Wikipedia)” (CC BY-SA 4.0). Illustrative, not to scale.
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Sources
- Source: Wikipedia: Rotary encoder (Wikipedia) · CC BY-SA 4.0
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