Encoders are virtually absolutely different
A
MotionLink product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Sep 19, 2005
GPI's virtual absolute (VA) technology encoders, although similar to the two traditional types, have aspects of design and behaviour which are unique.
Readers are probably familiar with both incremental and absolute encoders.
GPI's virtual absolute (VA) technology encoders, although similar to the two traditional types, have aspects of design and behaviour which are unique.
A virtual absolute encoder uses just cyclic and index tracks, like an incremental encoder.
However, the index track is a serial code similar to a barcode rather than just a single line.
Absolute position is encoded serially along this single track, rather than being dispersed over multiple parallel tracks.
On startup the position is not immediately known - as it would be with conventional absolute - but after a very short travel in either direction and starting from anywhere, position is known.
In a rotary VA encoder, the initialisation angle is typically about 1 degree, in a linear VA encoder about 0.5mm motion is required.
Thereafter, the encoder behaves as a traditional absolute encoder.
Key advantages of VA technology are: simpler electronics, reduced parts count and less critical internal alignments give greater inherent reliability; built-in self-test functions can help detect system problems such as excessive heat and speed; simpler optics mean a VA encoder can be smaller than a conventional absolute of equal resolution; and VA encoders are generally less expensive than a conventional absolute encoder and may be a more cost-effective solution in linear applications.
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