Optical / Resolver Incremental Encoders
The most commonly used and simplest encoders are Incremental Rotary Encoders. The Incremental Encoder accomplishes this by producing one pulse per increment of machine shaft movement. By rotating an internal etched disc in the path of a photo-detecting light source, the Incremental Encoder maintains accurate shaft position generating a pulse per revolution. Therefore, an Encoder with 720 counts per revolution produces 720 pulses in one complete shaft rotation. By maintaining the number of pulses per shaft rotation, the position of the machine shaft is determined relative to machine zero.
