This section provides an overview for resolvers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 resolver manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked resolver companies as of November, 2024: 1.AMETEK Airtechnology Group, 2.General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, 3.Honeywell International Inc.
Table of Contents
A resolver is a type of encoder or a sensor for measuring rotation angle.
Among devices that detect the angle of rotation, the resolver reads changes in the magnetic field by electromagnetic induction to detect the angle of rotation, applied to the rotating equipment in which the resolver is mounted.
Resolvers are mainly used in industrial equipment. You will not see them in white goods or commercial facilities. Servo motors are the main target for measuring rotation angles.
For servo motors to operate accurately, it is necessary to detect and provide feedback on the motor's speed and other parameters.
In recent years, resolvers are sometimes used in electric vehicles.
The basic principle of resolvers is almost the same as that of a transformer.
Rotation changes the relative position of the primary and secondary cores, causing a misalignment between the primary and secondary. The principle of the resolvers is to detect the angle of rotation by measuring the AC value. For example, when the rotation angle is 0 degrees, the relative positions of the cores do not change, so no input-output voltage shift occurs.
In resolvers, the part that rotates in conjunction with the object is called the rotor, and the part with a built-in coil is called the stator. On the other hand, an oval shape provides twice the output, and a triangle shape provides three times the output.
Thus, the output signal magnification can be controlled by the rotor shape. Resolvers thus have the advantage of being able to withstand use in adverse environments because of their simple structure consisting of a core and coil.
Signal output from resolvers is converted to rotational angle and angular velocity by RDC, which stands for Resolvers Digital Converter, which converts them into digital signals that a CPU can process.
RDC can also compensate for manufacturing variations of resolvers when digitizing rotational angle signals. The arithmetic processing performed on servomotors and motors used in automobiles is generally based on PID control. The amount of energy to be given to the motor is determined by comparing the target rotational speed with the rotational angle and angular speed detected by the resolvers.
To improve positioning and control accuracy, the time difference between rotation angle detection and energy amount determination timing must be minimized, but this depends on the upper limit of CPU operating frequency.
Resolvers have a simple basic configuration but are expensive. In addition to the cost of components, it is expensive to continue to manufacture resolvers that guarantee high accuracy.
Resolvers have multiple stator windings, and it is important to wind all copper wires uniformly. Any variation in winding will affect the output signal and lead to a decrease in the accuracy of position detection.
In recent years, magnetic sensors have been adopted as an alternative to resolvers. There are various types of magnetic sensors, but most are MR sensors that use the magneto-resistive effect. The magneto-resistive effect is a phenomenon in which electrical resistance changes depending on the strength and direction of an external magnetic field. Magnetic sensors are selected from the following according to the application.
The advantages of magnetic sensors are that they can be integrated with bearing rings and do not require signal processing circuits, such as RDC.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Honeywell International Inc. was founded in 1885 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Honeywell is a diversified technology and manufacturing company to global customers in many industries such as aerospace, building technologies, performance materials, manufacturing, and safety. Honeywell produces hardware and software solutions for each industry it serves. In building technologies, Honeywell designs access controls, electrical and wiring, fire life safety, and employee training services. In aerospace, Honeywell designs cockpit systems and displays, engines, cabin management and cleaning, and health and usage monitoring.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a manufacturer of weapon systems and munitions products founded in 1952 and based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company developed and produced all calibres of munitions for the United States government and its allies. Its broad portfolio of products and services includes armaments, composite structures, disposal, missiles, rockets, munitions, and protection systems. The company partnered with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC) for the production of Launch Pod Containers (LPC) for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
Micronor Sensors, established in 2020, is a manufacturer and supplier of fiber optics and electromechanical sensor technology, including temperature, strain, and position sensors, headquartered in Ventura, California. The company offers FBGs, including fiber optic multipoint temperature and multipoint strain sensors used for critical asset monitoring in infrastructure, utilities, renewable energy, automotive, and industrial sectors. Other fiber optics sensor technologies from Micronor include position sensors & encoders, multi-axis acceleration sensors, temperature sensors, and signaling devices, including microswitches, E-stops, and controllers. The company’s electromechanical sensor technology devices include position transducers, position encoders & resolvers, and limit switches, including rotary and linear limit switches.
Moog Inc. was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in East Aurora, New York. The company designs manufactures and integrates precision motion and fluid controls and control systems for customers including OEMS in industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial machinery, motorsports, and construction. The company’s product offerings include both systems and components. Examples of systems include actuation systems, naval systems, turreted weapon systems, and space vehicles. Examples of components include manifolds, slip rings, actuators, and servo actuators.
SANTEST (STC) is a manufacturer of sensors, transducers, and other mechatronic products based in Osaka, Japan. Founded in 1953, the company's products are used in various industrial applications such as robotics, injection molding, hydraulic systems, and machine tooling. The company's product lineup includes pressure and magnetostrictive transducers for assessing process variables, servo valves for controlling flow rates or pressure ranges using electronic signals, and ultrasonic sensors for precise measurement using ultrasonic waves. STC also provides its clients with after-sales services such as calibration, maintenance, and repair.
Manchester Organics Ltd., established in 1951 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of mechanical components and electronic devices. Starting as Japan's first manufacturer specializing in miniature ball bearings, the company has grown and expanded its portfolio to motors, sensors, access products, electronic devices and components like semiconductors and sensors. These products have various applications ranging from modern homes and offices to information and telecommunication devices, robotics and automobiles. The company has developed Electro Mechanics Solution, that integrates control technology with machine and electronic technology for manufacturing precision components.
Hengstler, headquartered in Aldingen, Germany, is a custom manufacturer established in 1846, specializing in industrial components for counting and control applications. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including counters for measuring and counting objects, rotary encoders used for electrical signals, relays for controlling electric circuits, printers for label and document printing, as well as various types of cutters for materials like paper, film, and fabric. Hengstler products are manufactured to order, either in-house or outsourced, in accordance with the Kanban system and FBS system.
MICRONOR AG, established in 1965 and headquartered in Regensdorf, Switzerland, is a manufacturer of electromechanical sensors and fiber optic sensors1. The company offers products such as fiber optic rotary and linear encoders, fiber optic microswitches, and fiber optic multi-axis acceleration sensors. These products are used for critical measurement solutions in harsh environments, including energy, railway, and radioactive applications. The company also supplies optical cabling or optical feedthroughs according to customer specifications.
maxon, a company established in 1961, based in Sachseln, Switzerland, is a manufacturer and exporter of high-precision drive systems and components. The company advanced product solutions for various industrial and medical applications such as robotics, aerospace, automotive, prosthetics, and surgical devices. It has a range of products such as brushed and brushless DC motors, gearheads, encoders, controllers, and sensors. These products are designed to operate with high performance, quality, and reliability.
MinebeaMitsumi Inc. was incorporated in 1951in Japan and manufactures and supplies machined components, and electronic devices and components globally. It operates through four segments: machined components, electronic devices and components, MITSUMI Business, and the U-Shin business segment. MinebeaMitsumi specializes in bearing products including spherical, roller, rod end, and ball bearings for aerospace. MinebeaMitsumi also produces products including precision mechanical assemblies, fasteners, other special components including clutches and brakes, motors, blowers, sensors and lighting devices. Additionally, MinebeaMitsumi offers its products for use in PCs and peripheral equipment, information and telecommunications equipment, household electrical appliances, automobiles, and aerospace.
Admotec Precision LLC was established in 1987 and is a manufacturer of motion and position sensors headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland. The company specializes in producing solutions for measuring linear and rotary position, speed, and angle for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. Its products include multipole, standard, and custom rotasyn resolvers. Its quality management system is certified by IQNet and ISO 9001. All products comply with RoHS, REACH regulations, and the Dodd-Frank Act.
Tamagawa Seiki was established in Japan on March 3, 1938, and it is a developer and manufacturer of high-precision control equipments. The company manufactures and develops products like rotary encoders, resolvers, servo motors, gyros, step motors, aerospace products, and space products. Some of their major clients include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba, Hitachi, Toyota, and Honda. Their featured products are the Non-shaking system and Optical level gauging system. This company also manufactures two and three-dimensional (spatial) position/angle sensors.
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.
AMETEK Factory Automation was established in 1985 in Clawson, MI, and is a manufacturer and developer of process position feedback solutions within linear and rotary position feedback. The portfolio includes analyzers, pressure sensors, level sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, and more. The company is operating its capacity to service architects, building owners, and contractors globally with operating units and offices in the US, Canada, Australia, Belgium, the UK, the Middle East, Mexico, and China, also sales in more than 50 countries. For all of the equipment it sells, the company offers installation support, startup services, and maintenance contracts.
Advanced Micro Controls, Inc. (AMCI), founded in 1985 and headquartered in Terryville, Connecticut, USA, is a manufacturer of industrial control products. The company specializes in enhancing PLC-based automation systems with its specialized position sensing and motion control technology. It offers PLC network products with uniform motion programming, specialty I/O devices such as relay boards and sensor interfaces, and position sensing equipment, including heavy-duty rotary shaft sensors. Additionally, the company provides motion control solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems.
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.
Citizen Micro Co. Ltd., founded in 1958 and currently a subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co. Ltd., is a Japanese manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Hidaka City, Saitama, offering electric products. The company introduced industry-standard gear motors, utilizing its ultra-fine machining technology applied in producing watch parts. Its product lineup includes an extensive selection of gear and direct current (DC) motors, gearheads, and rotary encoders. It also engages in joint development projects to create customized products, such as paradox planetary gearheads. The company serves diverse manufacturing sectors, including industrial, housing, and medical equipment.
Renishaw plc., established in 1973 and based in Wotton-under-Edge, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer of analytical instruments, medical devices, and manufacturing technologies. Some of the products it stocks include additive manufacturing systems, open optical encoders, and neurological products, and it operates in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions, with 67 locations in 36 countries. Throughout its history, the company has spent 13% to 18% of its annual sales in R&D and engineering. In 1981, it set up its first international manufacturing facility in Ireland, and in 1984, it was listed in the London Stock Exchange unlisted securities market.
Tamagawa Europe GmbH is the European subsidiary of Japan’s Tamagawa Seiki Co. Ltd., which was established in Ulm, Germany in 2010 as a distributor of Tamagawa Seiki’s products. The company stocks various sensors, gyros, and motors designed for high precision applications. These include servo motors for motion control applications, rotary encoders for position control, and gyros for navigation control. The company operates internationally, managing Tamagawa Seiki’s distribution operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | AMETEK Airtechnology Group |
11.4%
|
2 | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems |
9.6%
|
3 | MICRONOR Sensors |
7.9%
|
4 | Honeywell International Inc |
7.5%
|
5 | Admotec Precision LLC |
7.3%
|
6 | Maxon |
6.3%
|
7 | Dynapar Corporation |
5.9%
|
8 | Hengstler GmbH |
5.3%
|
9 | Tamagawa Seiki CO., LTD. |
4.3%
|
10 | ALXION |
4.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the resolver 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 (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 5 | 31.3% |
United States of America | 4 | 25.0% |
Switzerland | 3 | 18.8% |
Germany | 2 | 12.5% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 6.3% |
France | 1 | 6.3% |
13 products are listed.
Ribex
30+ people viewing
RCP series for environmental sensor (line resolver / inner lesorba)
Ribex
60+ people viewing
Excellent environmental environment (water, oil, heat, vibration, impact). It is 1 μm high resolution. It is easy to replace from the rod sensor ty...
Ribex
30+ people viewing
Excellent environmental environment (water, oil, heat, vibration, impact). It is 1 μm high resolution. The sensor is a simple structure of only coil.