Basics of Stepper Motors with Encoders Shared

What is a motor with an encoder?

A motor with an encoder is a motor with a built-in encoder that detects the direction and speed of rotation. Encoders are mostly optical and can be used in “servo motors” and “stepper motors”.

A stepper motor is a motor that can control the direction and speed of rotation by pulse signals. With a stepper motor with an encoder, the current position can be monitored and feedback control can be performed to compensate for the error between the commanded and current positions.

Because stepper motors with encoders are relatively compact and enable high-precision control, they are used in a wide range of factory automation equipment, such as industrial robots, transportation and testing equipment, dispensers, and 3D printers.

Advantages of stepper motors with encoders

Common advantages of motors with encoders are the output based on the amount of rotational displacement, the detection of the direction of rotation, and the selection of various methods based on product specifications. On the other hand, a common point to note is that the motor's total length increases with the encoder's installation.

In addition, there are various types of encoders such as optical, electromagnetic, and inductive, each of which has its specific advantages.

Optical systems have the advantage of high accuracy, high resolution, and fast response time, and can be used in strong magnetic fields, but also have a slightly more complex structure and poor environmental resistance. Magnetic systems are relatively simple in structure, more cost-effective, and more durable, but less accurate than optical systems. The advantage of either type of system, however, is that it does not require homing at start-up.

When selecting a motor with an encoder, the user must carefully consider the advantages required for the product and equipment being used as well as the precautions that can be taken to maximize the motor's performance.