Hohner Automation are renowned for their incremental and absolute encoder products, with both being a vital piece of equipment across a wide range of industries. Here we are focusing on Hohner’s absolute encoders, explaining how they work and the differences between Hohner absolute encoders and the incremental variety.
Hohner Absolute Encoders vs Incremental Encoders
Hohner Automation absolute encoders are better suited for applications that require precise and immediate positioning information, especially after a loss of power or some other interruption. In contrast, incremental encoders are better suited to applications where relative position, speed and direction are sufficient.
This significant difference – precise positioning versus relative positioning – usually means that incremental encoders are more cost-effective, but many applications require the extra precision provided by a Hohner absolute encoder.
Such applications requiring the extra precision include those in the robotics industry, where Hohner absolute encoders are used to generate precise positional feedback in robotic joints and arms, and the likes of CNC machines where the accurate positional feedback enables the requisite precision of machining operations.
Hohner Absolute Encoder Components
The absolute encoders manufactured by Hohner Automation consist of a rotary shaft attached to the machinery or motor, whose position is being measured. The measurement is then achieved through a code disc which features a unique pattern of reflective and non-reflective segments for each position along its circumference. A light source is used to read the pattern on the code disc, with the light shining through or reflecting off the disc which is then detected by a sensor.
Hohner absolute encoders also contain specific electronic circuits that interpret the signals from the sensor and convert them into a digital position value, which is how the enhanced precision is achieved.
Types of Hohner Absolute Encoders
There are two main types of Hohner absolute encoders, namely single-turn encoders and multi-turn encoders. The latter provides unique position values for one full revolution of the shaft, with the position values repeating after one full turn.
Multi-turn encoders go a step further by keeping track of the number of revolutions in addition to the position value within a single turn. This helps provide a unique position over multiple revolutions, using additional gearing or electronic counting mechanisms.
Benefits of Hohner Automation Absolute Encoders
Absolute encoders provide the exact position immediately upon powering-up the application without needing to move to a reference point, and there is no error accumulation that needs to be accounted for as there is with incremental encoders. This makes a Hohner absolute encoder much more reliable for use in any applications where there is the potential for sudden losses of power.
If you require any Hohner absolute encoders, then contact YB Components who are the leading Hohner absolute encoder suppliers in the UK. We keep local stocks of all such parts and more, ready to ship out fast and free all over the UK and the rest of the world.