Rotational Sensors By Erik Flum
Types of Sensors Optical Encoder Resolver Rotary Variable Differential Transformer(RVDT) Synchro Rotary Potentiometer
History of Encoders 2 types: Absolute or Relative Absolute is made of metal contacts in a binary pattern Relative uses slots and optics
Optical Encoder Use either laser or infrared light Use single emitter/receiver for relative Dual emitter/receiver for quadrature 2^n emitter/receiver for absolute Small and cheap $20+
Resolver 4+ Inductor coils Analog Encoder Digital Interface 2 Pole resolver for positioning +/-5’ Multi-pole resolver +/-1” Large and expensive $300+
RVDT 3 Inductive coils 2 pole rotor / 1 coil on stator Only operate within part of a cycle +/- 45 degrees More common for linear measurement (LVDT) Independent of Frequency, Voltage, Temperature
Synchro Powered coil on rotor Y configuration on stator Can be used to move a motor (synchronize movements) Similar construction to AC motor
Potentiometer Good linearity Limitation on range of measurement ( degrees) Accuracy up to degrees Sensitive to temperature change Cheap $5+
Conclusions Optical encoders: Best accuracy/cost Resolver: Best accuracy RVDT: Best isolated from external effects Potentiometer: Cheapest solution Synchro: Synchronize motors based on position