Alignment of optical encoder commutation signals to a Brushless DC (BLDC) motor could be thought of as being comparable to timing the distributor on a car engine. The distributor tells the spark plugs ...

Why are there so many different angle encoders on the market? Why do they use different scanning and measuring methods? And which one should a designer choose? To answer those questions, engineers at ...

Rotary and linear optical encoders are common in position and motion sensing. Here, a disc or plate containing opaque and transparent segments passes between an LED and detector to interrupt a light ...

Encoders are a vital component in many applications that require motion control and feedback information. Whether a system’s requirement is speed, direction, or distance, an encoder produces control ...

This article is part of the Ideas for Design Series: Vol. 3, No. 8. In many applications, accurately sensing the position of an electrically controlled mechanical device such as a motor is critical.