Magnetic Encoders Debut New Technology

Rotational magnetic encoders have been developed that convert mechanical rotary motion into a digital pulse stream. The encoders use newly available solid-state magnetic rotary encoding technology, consisting of a diametrically polarized magnet imbedded into the end of the rotating shaft and positioned over an ASIC sensor. When the magnet is rotated, the alternating poles cause the multiple Hall-effect sensors on the chip to output two sine waves 90º out of phase with each other. This information is decoded by the ASIC to generate various electrical outputs, including two-bit quadrature, synchro-serial (SSI), analog voltage, or binary parallel. The new magnetic encoders are claimed to outperform existing optical sensors in flow control, medical, aerospace, transportation, military, computer, and other applications exposed to contaminates, severe shock and vibration, and temperatures ranging from -40ºC to +125ºC. ENCODER DEVICES, Plainfield, IL. (815) 254-0364.