Sensors & Measurement
Absolute encoder
An encoder that reports a unique value for each position.
IN ONE SENTENCE
The controller can know position without rebuilding it from pulse counts after power-up.
In normal English
Absolute encoders can be single-turn or multi-turn and use parallel, SSI, fieldbus or Ethernet interfaces.
Why would I use it?
Use it where position must be retained or immediately known after power loss.
THINK OF IT LIKE…
A ruler where every location has its own digital address.
Related terms
encoder, SSI, CANopen
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