21 Rotary Encoder Manufacturers in 2023
This section provides an overview for rotary encoders as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 21 rotary encoder manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
What Is a Rotary Encoder?
A rotary encoder is a device used to measure the amount of movement caused by the rotation of an object to be measured. There are two types of measurement methods: incremental and absolute. The former measures the relative value of the rotational position, while the latter measures the absolute value of the rotational position. General rotary encoders use light to make measurements, measuring the number of rotations by measuring the pulse wave of light passing through the holes in a rotating disk with evenly spaced holes. In addition to light, some products use magnetic force or changes in electrostatic capacitance for measurement.
Applications of Rotary Encoders
Rotary encoders are widely used in a variety of products driven by motors. When selecting a rotary encoder, it is necessary to consider the resolution, size, allowable frequency and load, durability, and dust resistance.
Examples of rotary encoder applications are shown below:
- Measurement of rotational speed for feedback control of servo motors
- Control of stage equipment for semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Position measurement of elevators
Principle of Rotary Encoders
The principle of rotary encoder operation is explained separately for incremental and absolute types based on the most common optical rotary encoders.
1. Incremental Expression
An incremental rotary encoder consists of a rotating disk with evenly spaced slits that are attached to the axis of rotation, a light source, a light-collecting slit, and a light-receiving element. Light emitted from the light source passes through the light-collecting slit and passes through the slit of the rotating disk, which is rotating at the same speed as the axis of rotation, with uniform wavelength and period. The light that passes through the slit produces a pulse wave corresponding to the number of rotations, which is detected by the light receiving element, and the number of rotations of the object being measured is detected from the pulse wave.
2. Absolute Type
Absolute rotary encoders have most of the same operating principles as incremental encoders, but they have a groove on the rotating disk that allows the position to be determined. When light passes through this groove, the light signal aligned with the groove can be detected by the light-receiving element, and absolute position can be measured. Unlike the incremental type, the direction of rotation can also be measured.
How to Use Rotary Encoders
As described in the Principles of Rotary Encoders, there are two types of rotary encoders: incremental and absolute.
The incremental type uses a lattice disk with a uniform slit and uses two-phase A and phase B signals to detect the light passing through the slit. Some encoders are also equipped with a Z-phase signal to detect the home position. The angle of rotation is measured by counting the number of highs and lows of the waveform detected through the slit. Therefore, if there is a malfunction in waveform capturing, the noise will cause the count to be incorrect and the error will remain as it is.
The absolute method is characterized by the slits in the grid disk and uses encoded slits. Since a different code is assigned to each position, it is resistant to noise, but to increase resolution, the number of bits must be increased, and the number of signals must also be increased. Gray codes are generally used for the code of each position. Gray code is a type of numeric coding called alternating binary code, in which adjacent bits change by only one bit. The reason for this is that when two or more bits change simultaneously, it is difficult to guarantee that all bits change completely at the same time due to accuracy issues. The use of a gray code, in which only one bit can change to indicate the next data, eliminates the possibility of the aforementioned false data recognition.
Rotary Encoder Rotation Direction Determination
The method of detecting the direction of rotation of a rotary encoder differs between the incremental and absolute methods. The absolute method is encoded and the absolute position is known, so the direction of rotation can be detected based on the order of the encoder signals. On the other hand, the incremental method does not know the absolute position, but it uses two signals, phase A and phase B, so it is possible to determine the direction of rotation based on the phase relationship to see which phase is advancing. For example, if the rising edge of phase A lags behind the rising edge of phase B, the rotation is CW, and if the rising edge of phase B is ahead, the rotation is CCW, and so on.
List of 21 Rotary Encoder Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Velmex
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
Velmex, Inc. was founded in 1967 in Bloomfield, New York where it still operates today. The company is a designer and manufacturer of stock and custom linear and rotary motion control positioning equipment for scientific, research, machining, and industrial applications. The company produces 3 unique brands of manual and motor-driven assemblies in Unislide, BiSlide, and XSlide in multiple build-to-order configurations. The company also produces manual and motor-driven XY tables, rotary turntables, as well as VXM motor controls, and VRO encoder readouts.
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Onexia, Inc.
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
ONExia Inc is based in Exton, Pennsylvania and is a robotics integrator, custom machine builder, and industrial distributor. ONExia specializing in manual process automation and assists manufacturers of all sizes increase throughput with cutting edge technology. ONExia works with customers to develop turnkey custom machines including 2D & 3D vision system integration, software design & development, and machine safety services. ONExia uses robotics to automate line packaging. ONExia also offers robot palletizers that are compatible with new or existing packaging lines.
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Win Source Electronic Technology Ltd.
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
WIN SOURCE is a customer-focused online store serving a wide variety of markets industries ranging from consumer to automotive to medical, industrial, and aerospace. WS specializes on size and speed, offering a catalog of over 1 million SKUS that can be shipped within 24 hours around the world. Offerings include an extensive array of semiconductor components, audio products, cable assemblies, racks, and battery products. WIN SOURCE is AS9120B, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certified and is a member of the anti-counterfeiting organization, ERAI.
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PLC Hardware
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
PLC Hardware (PLCH) was founded in 1993 and operates out of Owings Mills, Maryland. PLCH is an independent distributor of used and surplus industrial automation and networking equipment. PLCH offers a 1-year warranty on all products and ships globally. PLCH’s emphasis is on hardware and distributes hardware from such brands as Cisco, HP Networking, Rockwell Automation and Siemens. A few of the many categories of hardware include application networking products, cables, optical networking systems, routers, switches, rack servers, content delivery devices, as well as HVAC controllers, and safety integrated systems.
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Addison Electric
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
Addison Electric originally opened its doors in 1980 and is headquartered in Addison, Illinois. Addison Electric provides systems integration, distribution, and service for industrial tools and equipment. Product lines include motors & gears, drives, controllers, sensors, devices, fuses, blocks, holders, low voltage control products, and thermal management. Service options include electrical and motor services such as PLC programming and clutch and brake repair, as well as dyne load testing and drive and motor dyne testing.
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Hello Bom
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
Hello BOM is an online electronic component storefront designed to bridge customers and suppliers. Customers supply Hello BOM with their bill of materials (BOM) and Hello BOM uses smart analysis via AI data matching to quickly find precise matches that customers need. This is accomplished via Hello BOM’s growing component stock and product information database to grow increasingly accurate and fast, while also simplifying the process of R&D and purchasing for customers. Products include semiconductors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, inductors, connectors, transistors, and sensors.
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AutomationDirect
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
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Celera Motion
Optical Rotary Encoders
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Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
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Mod-Tronic Instruments Limited
Rotary Encoders
Company Overview
MOD-TRONIC Instruments Limited was established in 1972 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. MTis a distributor of industrial sensors, transducers, heaters, controls, and instrumentation, primarily made in the USA as well as Japan, Switzerland, and Germany. MT’s customers are primarily in the aerospace, building automation, manufacturing, medical, military, oil and gas, and water treatment industries but also serves individuals. MT offers an above industry standard 5-year warranty and technical support on every product sold.
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Netzer Precision Position Sensors A.C.S. Ltd.
ROTARY ENCODER
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Rotary Encoder Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2023 Globally
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. | 100% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the rotary encoder page as of April 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- OMRON: 29,020
- HEIDENHAIN: 8,600
Newly Established Company
- Phoenix America LLC.: 2000 (23 years ago)
- OMRON: 1933 (90 years ago)
- HEIDENHAIN: 1889 (134 years ago)
Company with a History
- HEIDENHAIN: 1889 (134 years ago)
- OMRON: 1933 (90 years ago)
- Phoenix America LLC.: 2000 (23 years ago)
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