Absolute Angle Sensors

Absolute position sensors are very different from incremental sensors.

Absolute angle sensors. Absolute encoders generate information about position angle and rotation counts in type specific angle steps. The position sensing element is a permanent magnet. When you say incremental position sensor it implies a change in position. Absolute versions of transmissive encoders incorporate multiple tracks light sources and sensors which completely define position within a revolution.

A position sensor is a sensor that facilitates measurement of mechanical position. The number of code patterns available per revolution determines the resolution. It needs a reference point in order to start measuring. Absolute angle encoders and optical angle sensors as well as potentiometers the measurement of rotation angles in demanding applications often requires a technical adaptation of the angle sensor to the specific application environment.

With mechanical gearing of one disc to second disc it is possible to define position over multiple revolutions. Each code pattern forms a unique reference and is therefore an absolute position. The posirot magnetic angle sensors of the pras prds series are based on a contact free and absolute measurement principle. A position sensor may indicate absolute position location or relative position displacement in terms of linear travel rotational angle or three dimensional space.