This section provides an overview for optical encoders as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 46 optical encoder manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked optical encoder companies as of November, 2024: 1.Elinco International JPC, Inc., 2.Dongguan Handing Optical Instrument Co., Ltd., 3.Nexen Group, Inc..
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Categories Related to Optical Encoders
An optical encoder is a type of encoder that utilizes an optical sensor to detect and measure physical quantities such as linear axis movement and rotation angle. This device converts position information into electrical signals through the interaction of light with a coded pattern on a disk.
Due to their high accuracy, resolution, and speed, optical encoders are integral in controlling servo motors, elevator motors, through-axis motors, and high-speed rotating motors in industrial equipment. They are particularly advantageous in environments with strong magnetic fields, such as MRI equipment and linear motor-type actuators.
The construction of an optical encoder involves:
An infrared LED is commonly used as the light source in optical encoders, though colored LEDs or laser diodes may be employed for enhanced performance and resolution.
A lens focuses the emitted light into a parallel beam, ensuring accurate detection by the optical sensor.
The code wheel, which can be made from metal, resin, or glass, features slits or patterns that modulate the light beam. The material choice is dictated by application requirements, balancing factors like cost, precision, and environmental resistance.
Photodiodes or phototransistors capture the modulated light and convert it into electrical signals. These sensors are fabricated from semiconductor materials optimized for light detection.
Optical encoders are categorized into:
This configuration positions the light source and sensor on opposite sides of the code wheel, detecting light that passes through the slits.
Here, the light source and sensor are located on the same side, with light reflected from the code wheel's surface being detected.
Optical encoders generate pulse signals by modulating light through or off the code wheel's pattern. The frequency of these pulses correlates with the movement speed, while the phase difference between the two signals indicates rotation direction.
Selection considerations include the encoder's resolution, which is limited by the physical dimensions of the code wheel's slits, and environmental factors such as dust and oil, which can interfere with light transmission. Optical encoders also tend to have higher power requirements due to the continuous operation of the light source.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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OMEGA Engineering Inc., founded in Norwalk, CT, in 1962 is a manufacturer of products used to measure temperature and humidity, flow and level, and pressure. The company's product portfolio includes thermocouple probes and assemblies, pressure gauges and switches, and air velocity measurement systems, wireless systems and portable optic sensors. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
Broadcom Inc., established in 1961, and headquartered in San Jose, California, is a manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor and connectivity solutions. The company specializes in producing products, such as semiconductors, infrastructure software, networking products, storage products, wireless products in which their products cater to industries such as telecommunications, data centers, and consumer electronics. Their products are used for various applications, including wireless communication, networking equipment, data storage, and multimedia devices, providing components for advanced technologies in numerous industrial and commercial sectors.
Grayhill, founded in 1943 with headquarters in the USA, is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of principle switch interface products, PC-based control systems, and industrial wireless data communication devices. The company's products include board-level DIP switches, tactile switches, keypads, custom keyboards, and miniature enclosed rotary switches for original equipment manufacturers in the healthcare, military, and off-highway markets. Grayhill offers standard products, tailored products, and tailored assemblies. The company also holds AS9100D and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, as well as the SAE AS9100 Revision D Quality Management System (QMS) for defense organizations.
Dongguan HanDing Optical Instrument Co., Ltd. (DHOI) is a Chinese manufacturer of optical measurement products established in 2016 and based in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province. The company produces various measurement devices including thickness gauges, video measuring machines, microscopes, and linear encoders used in medical instruments as well as for sensitive operations, such as the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It also offers customization, training, and installation services. DHOI primarily serves client manufacturers of consumer electronics, precision hardware, semiconductors, and lithium batteries.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (Vishay) was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company serves the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products, and medical end markets and sells its products under numerous brand names inlcuding Siliconix, Draloric, Beyschlag, UltraSource, and Applied Thin-Film Products. The company manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in globally while operating in six market segments: MOSFETs, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
Bourns, Inc. is a family-owned company founded in 1947 and currently headquartered in Riverside, California. Bourns is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of electronic components for several industries including automotive, industrial, instrumentation, medical, consumer, and portable electronics. Bourns operates in 4 market segments: automotive, circuit protection, power conversion, and sensing. The automotive segment produces sensors for almost every use in vehicles including steering, stability, fuel management, and temperature control. Power conversion segment products are used in renewable energy and automotive power. Sensing products are also used in heavy equipment, medical equipment, and welding equipment.
Nexen Group Inc. was established in 1902 and is based in Minnesota as a manufacturer of industrial motion control products. The company offers different products in the Power Transmission line that generate twisting power in clutches, brakes, torque limiters, and coupling products, and their various designs are compatible with imperial and metric components. Their Precision Rotary Motion technology consists of rotary drive systems, torque rotary brakes, and mechanical torque limiters, all delivering zero backlashes. And for Linear Motion Control, Nexen provides a wide selection of Rail Brakes and Rod Locks.
Electric Indicator Company (ELINCO) is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company founded in 1926 in Stamford, Connecticut. Founded in 1969, Japanese Products Corporation (JPC) was acquired by ELINCO in 1991. The company focuses on the design and manufacturing technology of motors, air-moving devices, and drives. Products include brushless DC motors, stepper motors, PMDC motors, AC motors, planetary gearboxes, encoders, fans, and blowers. The main markets of the company are communication, industrial automation, medical technology, office automation, security, home automation, and automotive.
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.
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.
Celera Motion, founded in 1994 in the USA, is a motion control business of Novanta Inc. and a manufacturer of motion control devices and composite solutions for OEMs. The company's products, which include inductive encoders, direct-drive motors, servo drives, transducers, and air-bearing spindles, among others, are also used in the medical, Satcom, UAV, medical, and scientific markets. Celera Motion also offers ISO 9001 and ISO 13485-compliant encoders, motors, sensors, transducers, and servo drives in custom sizes.
Sensor Systems, established in 1980 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a manufacturer and supplier of Electromechanical Components. The company’s comprehensive product range includes precision potentiometers, pressure sensors, encoders, and machined parts, serving a diverse clientele spanning the aerospace, medical, industrial, commercial, and defense industries. It offers a spectrum of services, including engineering and design, testing and certification, supply chain management, and technical support, aligning with their devotion to customer satisfaction. Besides, the company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, underscoring its unwavering devoted to maintaining superior quality standards.
Sinotech is based in Portland, Oregon with offices in China. Sinotech is a distributor for custom-engineered electrical motors, motor components, and mechanical components manufactured in China. Sinotech’s motors include AC motors, DC motors, brushless DC motors, slotless high speed BLDC motors, stepper motors, cordless motors, gear motors, servo motors, and miniature motors. Motor components include laminations, wound coils, armature and field coils, brushes, and communicators. Mechanical components include assemblies, die castings, investment castings, sand castings, shafts, steamed metal parts, tubular metal parts, machined extrusions, plastic parts, rubber parts, and secondary processing.
PREMA Semiconductor, founded in Germany, in 1970 is a manufacturer of semiconductors. The company's product portfolio includes Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, Memory Devices, Analog and Digital Integrated Circuits, power management solutions and RF and Wireless Semiconductors. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, prototyping, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
Renishaw is a British manufacturer and supplier of engineering technology products and solutions established in 1973 and based in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. The company primarily produces equipment for metrology, spectroscopy, and healthcare, including coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), dental scanners, and Raman spectrometers. They also offer long-term support services, such as calibration, refurbishment, repair, and upgrades. Renishaw has more than 5,000 employees across its network of subsidiaries and sales offices in over 36 countries.
Johannes Hübner is an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015-certified German manufacturer of drive technology and encoder systems established in 1934. Based in Giessen, Hesse, the company produces various encoders including absolute and incremental models, overspeed switches for detecting and signaling when preset parameters are exceeded, tachogenerators for controlling the speed of motors, and slip ring assemblies for coordinating signals or power between moving and stationary parts. Johannes Hübner also provides custom design, engineering and installation, as well as commissioning and repair services to their clients.
AMETEK Airtechnology Group (AAG), based in Middlesex, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer of several entities, including Muirhead Aerospace Limited, founded in 1894, and The Airscrew Company Ltd, founded in 1923, both acquired by AMETEK, Inc., converging to specialize in motion control and thermal system products. The company's motion control products include alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical motor gearheads, electro hydrostatic actuators, electrical landing gear actuation systems, and limited angle torque motors. On the other hand, the company’s thermal management products include electrical heaters, sand scavenge fans, gun smoke extraction fans, as well as engine and gearbox cooling fans.
Rotary and Linear Motion Sensors (RLS) is a magnetic encoders and components manufacturer founded in 1989 and based in Komenda, Slovenia, partnering with British engineering company Renishaw PLC in 2000. The company primarily produces various incremental and absolute rotary and linear magnetic encoder models, magnetic sensor ICs, optomodules, and analogue interpolators. Other products include photodiode arrays used for spectroscopy, as well as optical scanning and barcode reading. These are used for applications in the manufacture of surgical and collaborative robots, submarine technology, heavy machinery, and the aerospace industry.
Nanotec Electronic GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Feldkirchen, Munich, Germany, is a manufacturer of motors and controllers for performance drive solutions since 1991. The products include motors, gearboxes, brakes, encoders, and actuators. Accessories include lubricants, capacitors, spacer sleeves, brake choppers, and connection cables used in semiconductor production, medical engineering, automation systems, the packaging sector, and laboratory automation. The company received the Top 100 award in 2022 for the second time in a row.
YUEQING YUMO ELECTRIC CO.,LTD, founded in Zhejiang, China, in 2004 is a manufacturer of industrial automation control products. The company's product portfolio includes Programmable Logic Controller, Human Machine Interface, Photoelectric Switch, Proximity Switch, and Switching power supply. Their products find application in textile machinery Machinery, packaging machinery, wind power generation, and industrial assembly automation control field. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation.
HBK, formerly named HBM, is a global ISO9001 and ISO14001-certified company founded in 1950. It is known for providing the best technology and expertise in test and measurement. With branches in 30 countries, it provides clients with different solutions ranging from sound and vibration to propulsion efficiency and weighing. Examples of product offerings include transducers, amplifiers, sensors, strain gauges, data acquisition systems, etc. Such products are used in different markets, including aerospace, automobiles, telecom audio, and more. Besides supplying products, they also entertain their customers with after-sales services.
Capella Microsystems, located in New Taipei, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of optical electronic products, founded in 2002. Their product line includes smart sensors used for light, color, proximity, and gesture sensing. They also provide IrDA devices for wireless communication, optical encoders for precise position and velocity measurement, and PDICs specifically designed for photodiode array applications. Capella Microsystems' products have wide-ranging applications, serving industries such as consumer electronics, industrial automation, robotics, and medical devices.
Dynapar Corporation is an American manufacturer of motion feedback control products that was established in Gurnee, Illinois, in 1955 before its acquisition by the Fortive Corporation in 2016. The company primarily produces specialized resolver and rotary encoder models. These specialized models include incremental encoders, frameless resolvers, and resolver transducers. It also offers related accessories such as encoder testers, mounting brackets, and encoder cables. The company chiefly serves its clients in North America’s oil and gas, power generation, and metalworking industries.
Balluff was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Neuhausen, near Stuttgart, Germany. Balluff is a manufacturer of sensor and automation solutions for customers globally. Balluff serves many industries including life sciences, semiconductors, metalworking, fluid power, and mobile equipment. Balluff’s product line consists of sensors and connectivity components, accessories, complete systems, and software. Balluff offers services to assist customers across the range of finding solutions, deploying solutions, training, as well as support.
Encoder Products Company (EPC), headquartered in Idaho, USA, has been a manufacturer of motion sensing devices since 1969. Its range of offerings include incremental encoders, absolute encoders, linear encoders, encoder modules, as well as encoder testers, and encoder accessories. These devices are used to convert physical motion into electrical signals that can be utilized for monitoring, control, automation, and feedback purposes in a wide range of industries and systems. For those requiring an ECCN classification, all the company's incremental rotary encoders are classified as EAR99. The company also provides custom solutions, technical support, and warranty services for its customers.
Graduate Honest Sensor Corp. is a manufacturer and supplier of encoders for automatic control systems and mechanical equipment that was established in New Taipei City, Taiwan, in 1998. The company primarily produces a range of encoders, including absolute, hollow shaft, and incremental encoders for measuring physical parameters of process variables. It also offers encoder discs, measuring wheels, and custom design services for unique projects. The company chiefly serves clients in the machine tools industry, including companies such as Haas, Mazak, and Fanuc.
NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS was established in Japan in April, 1967 as a specialty manufacturer of electronic components. NIDEC’s offerings have increased to serve the automotive, construction, medical equipment, FA equipment, analytical measuring equipment, and residential security industries. Among the offerings are components for LiDAR, railway pressure sensors, CPAP, dialysis, MRI, and ultrasonography machines, wireless base stations, and power tools. These components include switches, sensors, mirrors, motors, and fans.
Gimatic S.r.l., founded in 1985 and based in Brescia, Italy, is a UNI EN ISO 9001 certified manufacturer and supplier of automation machinery, particularly End of Arm Tools (EOAT). The company's product range includes Rotary Units, Quick Changer, Profiles and Brackets, Grippers, and Linear Actuators. These tools are essential in various automation processes. Industries such as plastics, packaging, automotive, and general machinery frequently utilize them. In addition to its extensive product line, the company offers services such as consultation, product customization, power-saving solutions, and maintenance support.
Kodenshi Corp. is an ISO 14001 and IATF 16949-certified manufacturer of optical devices that was established in 1972 in Kyoto, Japan. The company’s product lineup includes photointerrupters for sensing motion or positioning, photodiodes for converting light into electrical currents, and phototransistors for amplifying currents generated by photodiodes. It also offers encoders for converting motion into digital signals, and photo couplers for noise reduction or signal isolation. The company’s products are commonly used within the private security and transportation sectors, and have additional applications in the automotive industry.
QUANTUM DEVICES, established in 1989 and based in Barneveld, WI, is a manufacturer and distributor of optoelectronic products. The company's product range includes Incremental Optical Rotary Encoders, QC201 Commutation Indicator, OPTOLAB/Line Drivers, Photodiodes, and Photodiode Resources and Facts. These products find applications in photosynthesis and photobiological research, as well as in biomedical instruments for measuring variables such as blood sugar levels and pulse rate. Serving the appliances, electrical, and electronics manufacturing industries, the company offers services like design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of optoelectronic devices.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.
UBITO is an enterprise within the FRABA group, specializing in the development and marketing of Wiegand technologies for commercial and industrial use. The company serves as a concept incubator and markets Wiegand sensor products, such as fluid meters and multiturn rotary encoders. FRABA has a history dating back to 1918 and has played a significant role in the development of sensor products like rotary encoders and inclinometers. With subsidiaries in Europe, North America, and Asia, FRABA has a global reach and works with sales and distribution partners worldwide.
POSITAL is a leading supplier of advanced industrial position sensors used in motion control and safety systems. The company is known for innovation in product design and manufacturing, as well as being a pioneer of Industry 4.0/IIoT. As a member of the FRABA group, POSITAL has a history dating back to 1918 and has played a significant role in the development of rotary encoders and other sensor products. POSITAL has a global presence with subsidiaries in Europe, North America, and Asia and works with sales and distribution partners worldwide.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Elinco International JPC, Inc. |
6.0%
|
2 | Encoder Products Co. |
4.2%
|
3 | Nexen Group, Inc. |
3.9%
|
4 | Celera Motion |
3.9%
|
5 | Dongguan Handing Optical Instrument Co., Ltd. |
3.5%
|
6 | Omega Engineering, Inc. |
3.5%
|
7 | Sinotech |
3.5%
|
8 | Velmex |
3.2%
|
9 | Rockwell Automation |
2.8%
|
10 | TANTEX CORP |
2.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the optical encoder page as of November 2024. 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
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 15 | 45.5% |
Germany | 5 | 15.2% |
China | 5 | 15.2% |
United Kingdom | 2 | 6.1% |
Japan | 2 | 6.1% |
India | 2 | 6.1% |
Slovenia | 1 | 3.0% |
Taiwan | 1 | 3.0% |
10 products are listed.
Unipulus
50+ people viewing
Contact linear encoder that can be easily connected to our indicator 50 mm stroke can handle various works Because it is a robot cable, it is saf...
Swallow wireless Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
There are four types: 27 -type ultra -small slip rings, 35 -type standard slip rings, 42 -type thin multi -polar slipping, 35 optical rotary encoders.