Encoders for BLDC motors and stepper motors  –  Types

Optical encoders

Optical encoders

Optical encoders are used for the precise speed and position monitoring of moving loads. They are insensitive to dust and dirt and can be easily integrated into customized systems.
  • Encoder Resolution 500 CPR - 5000 CPR
  • Operating Voltage (Encoder) 5 V
  • Index / 
  • Line Driver / 
  • Shaft Diameter  -
Reflective encoders

Reflective encoders

Nanotec offers reflective encoders that can also be combined with very small BLDC and stepper motors. They are insensitive to electrical interference and achieve high signal quality.
  • Encoder Resolution 500 CPR - 4000 CPR
  • Operating Voltage (Encoder) 5 V
  • Index  
  • Line Driver  
  • Shaft Diameter  -
magnetic encoder with high resolution

Magnetic encoders

Magnetic encoders enable precise measurements even in harsh environmental conditions. Hall sensors are used for scanning, the values are supplied in the form of a binary signal. 
  • Encoder Resolution 500 CPR - 16384 CPR
  • Operating Voltage (Encoder) 5.00 – 24.00, 4.50 – 5.50, 9.00 – 30.00 V
  • Index / 
  • Line Driver / 
  • Shaft Diameter  -
Multiturn absolute encoder for NEMA 17-23 BLDC & stepper motors ✓SSI ✓insensitive to dust ✓magnetic encoder with embedded Wiegand sensor » Learn more!

Multiturn encoders

Absolute magnetic multi-turn encoders with energy-harvesting system und SSI interface. Especially robust and insensitive to dust.
  • Encoder Resolution
  • Operating Voltage (Encoder) 4.75 – 15.00 V
  • Index  
  • Line Driver  
  • Shaft Diameter  -


Webinar: What’s important when selecting an encoder?

This webinar provides insight into the various encoder technologies: we compare optical encoders, reflective encoders and magnetic encoders with respect to function, features and application areas. Duration: 45 minutes. Please note that the webinar is held in German.

Our experts explore the following topics in detail and offer many practical tips for selecting the right encoder for your application:

  • Functional principles
  • Signal types
  • Position detection
  • Absolute encoders
     

We also introduce the high-resolution NME2 magnetic encoder from Nanotec. It is available in a version for incremental signals as well as with an SSI interface. With the incremental version, commutation signals for BLDC motors are generated as well, and the index position can be adjusted using a pin.

  • Incremental resolution: 16,384 CPR (65,536 PPR)
  • SSI resolution: 17 bit, single-turn absolute
  • maximum speed: 12,000 rpm
  • For shaft diameters of up to 15 mm

Thanks to its modular design, the NME2 encoder can be combined with brushless DC- and stepper motors as well as with hollow shaft motors and linear actuators.