Why Are Absolute Rotary Encoders Essential? Key Benefits of Using Absolute Encoders?

Absolute encoders are considered essential for industries and applications where precision, reliability, and efficiency are paramount. Here are the key reasons:

  • Power-Off Position Retention: Unlike incremental encoders that require homing after a power cycle, absolute encoders retain their position data, eliminating downtime and ensuring seamless operations.
  • Durability in Harsh Environments: Designed to perform in challenging conditions, absolute encoders feature rugged housings, IP-rated protection, and the ability to withstand dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
  • Versatile Integration: Their versatility and reliability make them suitable for diverse applications, from robotics and medical devices to renewable energy systems like wind turbines and industrial machinery.

What Are Absolute Rotary Encoders?

Absolute rotary encoders are sensors designed to provide precise, absolute position feedback of a rotating shaft. Unlike incremental encoders, they retain positional data even after a power cycle, eliminating the need for re-homing or recalibration. This feature makes them indispensable for motion control in industries like robotics, medical devices, and industrial automation.

What Types of Absolute Rotary Encoders Are Available?

Absolute encoders come in several types, each suited for specific applications:

How Do Absolute Encoders Work?

Absolute encoders convert the position of a shaft into a unique digital signal. This signal corresponds to a precise position, enabling accurate motion control.

  • Optical Encoders: Use light beams passing through a patterned disk to generate position data.
  • Magnetic Encoders: Utilize changes in magnetic fields to determine position.
  • Multi-Turn Encoders: Track rotations using mechanical or electrical counting systems.

These technologies ensure high precision and position retention even during power interruptions.

Absolute Encoders vs Incremental Encoders:
Which One Should You Choose?

Absolute encoders excel in complex automation tasks, while incremental encoders are suitable for basic motion detection.

Incremental Encoders

  • Output relative position changes using pulses.
  • Require re-homing after power loss.
  • Best for simpler and cost-effective applications.

Absolute Encoders

  • Provide absolute position data directly.
  • Retain position even after a power outage.
  • Ideal for high-precision and safety-critical applications.

Single-Turn vs Multi-Turn Absolute Encoders:
What’s the Difference?

A common misconception is that single-turn encoders only rotate once, and multi-turn encoders rotate multiple times. Both encoder types can rotate infinitely but differ in their memory capabilities. In reality, the difference lies in their position memory range:

Single-Turn Encoders

  • Retain positional data only within one 360-degree rotation.
  • Ideal for applications requiring position feedback within a single turn, such as rotary tables.

Multi-Turn Encoders

  • Store positional data across multiple rotations.
  • Essential for applications where movement spans many rotations, like conveyor belts or robotic arms.

What Applications Use Absolute Rotary Encoders?

  • Robotics: Enable precise positioning in robotic arms.
  • Medical Devices: Ensure reliability in surgical systems and diagnostic tools.
  • Renewable Energy: Optimize performance in wind turbines and solar tracking.
  • Industrial Automation: Support machine tools, conveyor belts, and assembly lines.

The Application for Absolute Rotary Encoders

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) play a critical role in modern manufacturing and warehouse logistics, offering autonomous navigation for various tasks. Among these, precision steering is essential for the accurate positioning of AGV’s steering wheels, which drives the efficiency and reliability of the entire system.

To meet this demand, BriterEncoder’s multi-turn absolute encoders are integrated into the AGV’s steering servo motors, ensuring high-precision steering and immediate position awareness upon power-up.

The Applications for Linear Wire Encoders


Automated Guided Vehicle Forklifts (AGV Forklifts) are vital in modern material handling, ensuring smooth and autonomous transportation within warehouses and manufacturing facilities. For these forklifts to operate efficiently, precise positioning is essential.

BriterEncoder’s Linear Wire Displacement Sensors are integrated into AGV forklift systems to monitor the forklift’s position and height accurately. These sensors ensure the forklift can lift, lower, and transport goods without errors, improving alignment with loading docks and shelves.

The sensors also help the forklifts adapt to changing environments, continuously tracking vertical movements and providing real-time data. This real-time feedback enables quick adjustments, enhancing safety and efficiency, especially in high-speed operations.

Overall, BriterEncoder’s sensors significantly improve the accuracy and adaptability of AGV forklifts, supporting industry efforts towards greater automation and efficiency.

Why Choose BriterEncoder?


Since 2011, Briterencoder has focused on designing and manufacturing industrial sensor solutions for position and control in China. With a commitment to the highest quality standards, Briterencoder delivers reliable and precise sensor technologies.

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For more information, visit: BriterEncoder.com