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Incremental Encoders vs Absolute Encoders

Nov,06,2019 << Return list

Absolute Encoders work in situations where accuracy for both speed and position, fail tolerance, and interoperability matters more than system simplicity. The absolute encoder has the ability to "know where it is" in reference to its position in case of system power-down and restart if the encoder were to move during a power-down.


The absolute encoder itself understands the positioning information – it doesn’t need to rely on outside electronics to provide a baseline index for the encoder position. Especially when compared to resolvers and incremental encoders, the obvious strength of absolute encoders is how their positioning accuracy affects the overall application performance, so it is typically the encoder of choice for higher precision applications such as CNC, medical and robotics.