Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: There are many links in the FAQ to the Glossary, posts, or videos which provide a more comprehensive answer. If the answer to your question is not listed below, please contact our Technical Support team at 360-397-9999 or support@usdigital.com.
General
What is an encoder?
An encoder is an electro-mechanical device that translates physical motion into an electrical...
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How do encoders work?
Encoders use a medium with a consistent pattern which passes by a sensor, producing an output...
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How do I choose an encoder?
The right encoder depends on many factors. We’ve created a white paper that will help you...
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What bore sizes are available on the encoder kits?
For the available bore sizes, review the datasheet for the encoder you select. Use this...
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What is the difference between an incremental and an absolute encoder?
Incremental encoders provide an output as to the movement of a shaft but upon power up, shaft...
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What is an index?
An index is a unique mark at one or more points on a disk or linear strip. The index enables...
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How do I clean an encoder disk?
The robust design of our encoders provides for consistent functioning even when a disk has...
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What tolerances are held for bore size on the encoder kits?
This chart shows the tolerances for both bore size on encoder kits and shaft diameter on...
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Resolution
What is encoder resolution?
Just like the different divisions a measuring tape (inches, ½ inch, ¼ inch etc.), the...
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What is the difference between encoder resolution, accuracy, and precision?
Encoder resolution identifies the smallest measurement that can be made. Encoder accuracy is...
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What are the minimum and maximum resolutions available on US Digital incremental encoders?
For encoders using 1" diameter disks, CPR values range from 32 to 5000. Those are the...
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Which resolution do I need?
This is a calculation you need to perform based on the smallest increment you need to monitor...
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How can I change the resolution of my encoder?
It is technically possible to change the resolution of our kit encoders, however, doing so...
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Mounting
How do I mount a linear encoder strip?
As each application is unique, we are unable to give definitive instructions on how to mount...
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How critical is encoder alignment?
Each encoder has specifications on its datasheet giving the alignment tolerances. Not staying...
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Where can I find assembly instructions?
The assembly instructions for each encoder are located near the top on each encoder kit...
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Environmental
If an encoder is being installed in an electrically noisy environment, what can be done to mitigate the potential interference with the encoder signals?
Using an encoder with a differential output and using a shielded cable will often mitigate...
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Will US Digital encoders work in a vacuum environment?
Our encoders have not been tested in a vacuum. We believe our encoders should work fine in a...
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Will US Digital encoders work in a radioactive environment?
Our encoders have not been tested in a radioactive environment. We believe the encoders will...
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Do US Digital encoders work well in a dusty environment?
Our encoders use an LED with a phased array detector. This essentially means that the sensor...
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Do US Digital encoders work in a humid environment?
Our encoders have been tested and verified to work in non-condensing humidity environments but...
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Does vibration affect the operation of US Digital encoders?
We provide a vibration and shock rating for each encoder. The encoders have been tested to...
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Electrical
What is the maximum cable length I can use with my encoder?
As a general rule of thumb, our single-ended output encoders work for cables up to 10 feet in...
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What cable do I need for my encoder?
Once you configure an encoder on our website, you can find compatible products, cables and...
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What is the difference between single-ended and differential outputs?
Single-ended is the most frequently used encoder output where commonly the output alternates...
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What can cause erratic signals from my encoder?
The most common source of erratic signals from an encoder is misalignment. We provide...
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What voltages can be used on US Digital encoders?
Most of our encoders require 5VDC power. However, some of our encoders operate on 12VDC power,...
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How do I test my encoder?
The best tool for testing an encoder and being able to see the signal output is an...
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Are encoders susceptible to ESD (electrostatic discharge)?
Some of the electronic components of encoders are susceptible to ESD which is why we recommend...
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