ENCODERLead freeRoHS Standard

●Optical encoder
An optical encoder creates light intensity variations by placing a movable slit and a fixed slit between a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The light-receiving element converts this into a electric signal strength, which is then waveform-shaped by electronic circuits and output as a rectangular pulse or sin cycle signal that corresponds to the amount of movement of the slit. This sensor can be used to create rotary encoders that control the rotation of an axis or linear encoders that control the movement of an object. Optical encoders are classified into two types: transmissive encoders, in which the light-emitting and light-receiving elements are arranged opposite each other, and reflective encoders, in which they are arranged on the same surface and detect the light reflected by the slit. Reflective encoders, in particular, can be designed with a very compact structure.