24 Encoder Manufacturers in 2023
This section provides an overview for encoders as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 24 encoder manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked encoder companies as of June, 2023: 1.FRABA Inc. - POSITAL, 2.CUI Devices, 3.Dynapar.
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Encoders
What Is an Encoder?
An encoder is a device that converts changes in position into electrical signals and outputs them.
Encoder that measure rotation angle are called rotary encoder, while those that measure linear displacement are called linear encoder.
Methods for measuring position change can be classified into incremental and absolute methods. Light, magnetic force, electromagnetic induction, etc. are commonly used for measurement.
Uses of Encoders
Encoders are mainly used in machines that use motors, among which stepping motors and servo motors are typical motors that use encoders.
1.Stepping Motors
Stepping motors are motors whose rotational speed and angle can be accurately controlled by pulse signals.
The interval between pulses and the number of pulse signals applied to the motor determine the angle and speed of rotation, enabling accurate positioning, which is why stepping motors are used in manufacturing and other fields.
Not all stepping motors use encoders. There are two types of stepping motors: open-loop stepping motors, which do not use encoders or feedback control, and closed-loop stepping motors, which use encoders and feedback control.
The open-loop method is a simpler system than the closed-loop method, but it always applies the maximum current to prevent "stalling," which is the inability to keep up with the pulse speed.
2.Servo Motors
A servo motor is a motor that has a mechanism to maintain a constant speed of continuous linear or rotational motion by precisely controlling the distance traveled and angle of rotation in a single control.
It is a three-piece set consisting of encoders, a brushless AC motor (the mainstream) or a DC motor, and a servo amplifier. AC motors are currently the most common type of motor used in machines that require precise motion control. Examples include industrial robots, automobiles, elevators, and automatic guided vehicles. They are used in many factories, especially now that factories are becoming more and more automated.
When selecting encoders, consider measurement accuracy, resolution, reaction time, size and shape, durability against vibration and shock, and protection against the operating environment.
Principle of Encoders
Encoders are classified into optical, magnetic, and electromagnetic induction types according to the detection method.
1.Optical Encoders
Displacement can be measured by shining light on a rotating disk with evenly spaced holes attached to a rotating shaft and detecting the period of light passing through the holes. Since light has little effect on machines, it is widely used in general.
Optical encoders can be classified into two types according to the output signal: incremental and absolute. Each method is explained below.
- Incremental method
The incremental method measures position displacement by measuring the number of times light passes through a hole in a rotating disk.
- Absolute method
The absolute method measures position displacement by detecting absolute position signals assigned to each hole of the rotating disk.
2.Magnetic Encoders
Displacement is measured by utilizing the magnetic field of a magnet attached to the rotating shaft, which fluctuates due to rotation.
3.Electromagnetic Induction Encoders
Displacement is measured by detecting electromagnetic induction generated by a coil mounted around a rotating shaft.
List of 24 Encoder Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Lithuania
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
-
-
-
CTS
Encoder
Company Overview
CTS Corporation was founded in 1896 and is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois. CTS is a manufacturer and distributor of sensors, actuators, and various connectivity components to telecommunications infrastructure, information technology, and other high-speed applications such as the aerospace and medical markets. CTS operates in 3 primary market segments: Sense, Connect, and Move. The Sense market segment includes controls such as potentiometers, pedals, sensors, and switches. The Connect segment includes various types of resistors, capacitors, and frequency control products. The move segment includes piezoelectric move products, rotary actuators, and thermal products including ZIF PC board retainers and heatsinks.
-
-
-
-
-
FRABA Inc. - POSITAL
Encoders
Company Overview
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bourns, Inc
Encoder
Company Overview
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.
-
-
-
-
-
Tokyo Cosmos Electric (TOCOS)
Encoders
Company Overview
Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd, also known as TOCOS, was established in 1957. TOCOS creates environmentally-friendly electronic components for automotive, agricultural, health care, entertainment, and home appliance industries. These components include capacitors, switches, optoelectronic devices, and potentiometers.
-
-
-
-
-
NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS
Rotary encoder (for setting)
Company Overview
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Panasonic Industry Europe
Encoder
Company Overview
Panasonic Industry Europe is the European branch of Panasonic, a global manufacturer of electronics and houseware, originally founded in 1918. Panasonic Industry Europe manufactures in 4 categories: components, devices, energy & building, and automation devices & solutions. Components include relays, capacitors, resistors, sensors, switches, connectors, couplers. Devices include wireless connectivity, e-bike systems, motors, compressors, thermal solutions, GPS antennas, as well as electronic materials. Energy & building includes batteries, fuel cells, solar sells, power tools, and home IoT. Automation devices & solutions include sensors for factory automation, industrial motors, laser welding, and more.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Encoder Products Co.
Encoders
-
-
Encoder Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of June 2023 in United States of America
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FRABA Inc. - POSITAL | 9.4% |
| 2 | CUI Devices | 7.8% |
| 3 | Dynapar | 6.3% |
| 4 | Elma | 6.3% |
| 5 | M.D. Micro Detectors | 6.3% |
| 6 | NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS | 4.7% |
| 7 | Panasonic Industry Europe | 4.7% |
| 8 | MultiDimension Technology | 4.7% |
| 9 | Song Huei Electric | 4.7% |
| 10 | Tokyo Cosmos Electric (TOCOS) | 4.7% |
| 11 | Taiwan Alpha Electronic | 4.7% |
| 12 | CTS | 4.7% |
| 13 | Grayhill | 3.1% |
| 14 | knitter-switch | 3.1% |
| 15 | Semelab | 3.1% |
| 16 | POSIC | 3.1% |
| 17 | MEGATRON | 3.1% |
| 18 | TWK-ELEKTRONIK | 3.1% |
| 19 | Encoder Products Co. | 3.1% |
| 20 | Bourns, Inc | 3.1% |
| 21 | Precizika Metrology | 1.6% |
| 22 | Zippy Technology | 1.6% |
| 23 | Lika Electronic | 1.6% |
| 24 | Switronic | 1.6% |
Ranking as of June 2023 Globally
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FRABA Inc. - POSITAL | 7.6% |
| 2 | Dynapar | 6.5% |
| 3 | CUI Devices | 6.5% |
| 4 | Elma | 5.4% |
| 5 | M.D. Micro Detectors | 5.4% |
| 6 | Taiwan Alpha Electronic | 5.4% |
| 7 | MultiDimension Technology | 4.3% |
| 8 | Song Huei Electric | 4.3% |
| 9 | CTS | 4.3% |
| 10 | Panasonic Industry Europe | 4.3% |
| 11 | NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS | 4.3% |
| 12 | Tokyo Cosmos Electric (TOCOS) | 4.3% |
| 13 | POSIC | 3.3% |
| 14 | Bourns, Inc | 3.3% |
| 15 | Semelab | 3.3% |
| 16 | Lika Electronic | 3.3% |
| 17 | knitter-switch | 3.3% |
| 18 | TWK-ELEKTRONIK | 3.3% |
| 19 | Grayhill | 3.3% |
| 20 | Encoder Products Co. | 3.3% |
| 21 | MEGATRON | 3.3% |
| 22 | Precizika Metrology | 2.2% |
| 23 | Zippy Technology | 2.2% |
| 24 | Switronic | 2.2% |
| 25 | API Delevan | 1.1% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the encoder page as of June 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
- CTS: 3,500
- Panasonic Industry Europe: 1,000
- Taiwan Alpha Electronic: 500
Newly Established Company
- MultiDimension Technology: 2010 (13 years ago)
- POSIC: 2001 (22 years ago)
- CUI Devices: 1989 (34 years ago)
Company with a History
- Semelab: 1810 (213 years ago)
- CTS: 1896 (127 years ago)
- Grayhill: 1943 (80 years ago)
Lists of Encoder Products
110 products are listed.
Incremental encoder Industrial line REI-10S12C
Turk Japan Co., Ltd.Reliably monitor rotational speed or detect rotational position, direction and angle. Engage in a variety of industrial measurement tasks
Non-contact encoder premium line RI360P0
Turk Japan Co., Ltd.Reliably monitor rotational speed or detect rotational position, direction and angle. Engage in a variety of industrial measurement tasks
Non-contact encoder premium line with stainless steel housing
Turk Japan Co., Ltd.Reliably monitor rotational speed or detect rotational position, direction and angle. Engage in a variety of industrial measurement tasks
