Types of programmable encoders and their use

Encoder – what is it? 

An encoder is a device which main function is to convert the offset and angular position into an electrical signal. It enables precise measurement of the angular position of the moving element, its direction, distance and speed of rotation. It is thanks to encoders that it is possible to accurately measure important distances, which greatly affects the efficiency of the automation of production processes. It can be said without exaggeration, that encoders paved the way for modern industry – without them it would, without a doubt, not exist. 

The characteristics of programmable encoders 

Programmable encoders are the type of encoders in which many parameters, that with non-programmable encoders had to be determined when ordering the device, can be programmed by the users themselves. The decision to develop an alternative that allows replacement of hardware solutions with software helped to increase the flexibility of the devices offered. It also enabled a significant spending reduction. Among the parameters of programmable encoders that can be programmed by the user are: 

  • the encoder resolution, 
  • the output signal – HTL or TTL,
  • rotation directions, 
  • odometer, 
  • speed controller, 
  • the changing color of the display light.

Types of programmable encoders 

Based on the method of measurement, encoders can be divided into two types: incremental and absolute. The main differences between these devices are due to the types of signals generated at the output, and the possibility of memorizing the measured quantity.

Incremental encoder 

Incremental encoder, known also as a rotary-pulse converter, generates a pulse as the shaft rotates through a specified angle. The number of pulses per revolution is defined by the resolution of the device. Incremental encoder does not provide information about the absolute position, so the electronic components used to build this type of device are much simpler and therefore cheaper. In addition to tracking the current position, incremental encoders are often used to determine angular velocity. The position is calculated based on the known starting position and the number of pulses counted. As a result, speed is expressed as the number of pulses counted in the time function.

Absolute encoder 

Absolute encoder, known also as a rotary-code converter, generates position, angle and speed information based on the angle increments depending on the encoder type. A unique code pattern is assigned to each angle increment. The number of code patterns per revolution determines the resolution. Each code pattern is a unique reference value and determines an absolute position at the same time. This characteristic is the reason absolute encoder remembers the current position even after being disconnected from the power supply and no reference run is required after switching the device back on. 

Incremental encoder

Application of encoders 

The areas of application of encoders are increasing each year. Thanks to the development of modern measurement technology, they are now fully applicable in virtually any given industry. Moreover, the process of their implementation is now far easier than before. All of it results in encoders being commonly used in all kinds of machines and production lines for precise measurement of speed, displacement, distance, and distance traveled. Additionally, these devices are also applied in servo drives, robots, and various machine tools. By using encoders, it is possible to measure the rotation of a machine part or a detail subjected to the treatment. 

Why are encoders so popular? 

The popularity of encoders is a result of their wide range of applications combined with the high quality. It is also caused by the fact these type of devices can properly work even in a highly unfavorable, difficult conditions, such as high humidity and dust. Encoders are also very resistant to mechanical effects, for example vibrations and shocks. 

Why lassers are the future?

Using laser to project a picture on a screen may have seemed like a futuristic idea only a couple of years ago, but now it is a standard used by many cinemas. In fact, laser projectors are now also entering the general market and are offered as home cinema solutions, as well as great ideas for lecture rooms, conference rooms and any places you might wish to project a movie, a presentation or pictures of any sort. Why are they better than lamp projectors that have been in use for so many years and are they really the future of image display?

Main advantages of laser projectors

First of all, lamp projectors have been around for a long time now and technologically, they are old news. Lasers are the future as they are using best inventions today and they capitalise on offering much better viewing experience. One glance is enough to see that colours displayed by laser projectors are brighter and deeper than ever before. This comes from the technology standing behind laser projectors – instead of producing white light, they only focus on the red, green and blue, which produce all the other colours. There is no need for filtering through all the other colours present in a white light. Cost and energy efficient, isn’t it?

With red, green and blue light created by a more powerful laser, the question of how deep will the colours get when the room is not dark enough is out as well. Lasers offer twice the level of brightness, if not more, than traditional lamp projectors. Where lamp would quickly overheat and lose its quality, lasers stay at the same level all the time. Moreover, brightness here doesn’t get compromised when you want to achieve a wider colour range, meaning you get a colour scale just as deep as you would get when visiting a cinema.

Why lasers are the future?

Lamp projectors need proper maintenance. With the lamp constantly overheating, it loses its abilities and needs to be changed. This not only means having to position the projector within your reach, but also means that there is no way of switching it on instantly – the lamp needs to heat up to work. Lasers, on the other hand can work long hours without problem and if you switch it off by accident, you don’t lose 5 minutes to turn it back on. Add the good quality, wider colour range and depth and brightness to the equation and you get the perfect view on why lasers are the future of image projection.

How to obtain GDPR certification?

Data protection is one of the biggest concerns of today’s businesses that handle personal data of their clients as well as many citizens all across the world that have shared their personal information with any company. With all the Internet websites being so quick to collect data in return for ‘free’ services, people need to be protected against misuse of their fragile personal information. The GDPR is being put to use in May 2018. What changes will it bring?

What does GDPR stand for?

The General Data Protection Regulation that will apply in all European Union member states from 25 May 2018 is undoubtedly the most talked about regulation in the recent years. Because of the fact that it is a regulation and not a directive, countries will not have to draw up new legislation – the regulation will apply automatically to all businesses that process data in the EU. This includes also all the US-based companies that handle EU citizens’ personal data, which not all American businesses are still aware of.

The GDPR will largely impact every Europe-based businesses and companies that deal with their customer’s data on a daily basis. In reality, it means almost all of them. The GDPR will mostly affect the IT sector though, as most of the rules set by the new regulation are surrounding the virtual world and data submitted via the Internet. According to the new law, all controllers and processors of data need to abide by the GDPR. What is the difference between those two parties? While the controller states how and why personal data is processed, the processor is the party doing the actual processing of the data.

checking smartwatch

If you are interested in further reading about GDPR implementation, please visit https://ins2outs.com/en/know-how-sets/know-how-set-gdpr-general-data-protection-regulation

GDPR implementation and certification guide

With just a few weeks left until the GDPR becomes law, businesses all over Europe are doing everything they can to be compliant with the new regulation. As it is a law, every company needs to abide by the GDPR. It is not, however, required to get certified. There is no actual need to get certified and there are no accredited certification bodies. Companies don’t need to certify, but they have to comply. The implementation process, however, is very important on the road to compliance. It is good to get some advice from GDPR experts and follow their courses on the implementation process. The most important thing is to do an audit of your current data protection systems and cross-check it with the new law. Any changes that need to be done have to be put in place before the new rules come into use.

Everything you might asked about pipe welding

Welding might seem like an easy task – heating two parts of a pipe to such a temperature that one part can fit into the other one and once they are cool, they stand inseparably. However, that is not the case and professional welders prove that there is a lot of skill involved in the pipe welding process. Continue reading Everything you might asked about pipe welding