Noise & Signal Distortion Considerations for Encoders in Motion Control Applications

Noise & Signal Distortion Considerations for Encoders in Motion Control Applications
To ensure clarity of signal from your encoder, and avoid excessive electrical noise, there are several options and installation considerations to take into account. Electrical noise must be mitigated, and there are several strategies to do that. The encoders’ cables are another important consideration, with cable length, termination, and connections all playing a part in keeping a signal “clean.” There are also additional methods to reduce noise. This white paper will focus on strategies and ways to reduce noise and signal distortions to ensure the signal from your encoder remains clean and uncorrupted.

The Basics Of How An Encoder Works
Encoders convert motion to an electrical signal that can be read by some type of control device in a motion control system, such as a counter or PLC. The encoder sends a feedback signal that can be used to determine position, count, speed, or direction. A control device can use this information to send a command for a particular function.

Encoders in Inhospitable Environments
Encoders are often used in harsh industrial environments. Encoders can be exposed to the same contaminants other machinery is, including: high volumes of dust, an abundance of moisture, caustic chemicals, even physical damage, where the encoder is knocked around by other equipment. For encoders used in an outdoor environment, they must be able to stand up to extreme weather conditions. In short, encoders need to be able to endure whatever the machinery they’re a part of can endure. In applications that call for frequent washdowns with caustic chemicals, the chemicals can attack the encoder’s aluminum housing and exposed parts, which causes corrosion and eventually shortens the life of the encoder.

Absolute thru-bore encoders now available with BiSS C and SSI
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The NEW Model A58SB Bus Absolute Encoder
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