Intrinsically Safe Absolute Rotary Encoders

In the most hazardous environments, where an explosive atmosphere consisting of flammable gas or vapor is regularly present and a sensor fault cannot be risked, Intrinsically Safe (IS) sensors may be the best sensing option. Generally, these sensors are paired with a barrier which limits the amount of electrical and thermal energy that can enter the Hazardous Area to an amount that is so small that even in the situation of a sensor fault, there is not enough energy to cause an ignition.

Tiny Tech, Big Impact: Rotary Encoders Are a Critical Link the Agrobot Revolution

A recent GlobalData report highlights the impressive growth of the robotics industry in agriculture (reaching $218 billion by 2030), a key component behind this revolution often goes unnoticed: the rotary encoder. These unsung heroes convert rotational motion into precise electrical signals, playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth, accurate movements of agricultural robots.

SSI Encoder

Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI) is a widely used serial interface standard for industrial applications between a master (i.g. controller) and a slave (i.g. sensor).

Accuracy, Resolution and Repeatability

There are several key terms that are critical to specifying the optimal position sensor for a given application. This application note defines these key terms and how they relate to the sensor’s role in the overall system performance. It is important to consider that precision is very much a system issue and can be dominated by mechanical errors such as eccentricity. This paper discusses the most significant mechanical error for rotary applications (eccentricity) and presents eccentricity tolerant position sensor solutions.