Encoders and feedback
Position and speed feedback for closed-loop motion, rotary and linear, absolute and incremental. Tell us the application and we'll specify the right product, and the parts around it, for your machine.
What we need to know to specify encoders and feedback
These are the questions an applications engineer works through first. Approximate answers are fine: ranges narrow the options quickly, and we confirm the details with you.
- Motion: Rotary, Linear
- Output: Absolute, Incremental
- Resolution: Standard, High, Ultra-high
- Interface: BiSS-C, SSI, EnDat, A/B/Z, Not sure
- Mounting: Hollow shaft / ring, Shaft, Open scale and readhead
We also ask about the environment (washdown, outdoor, subsea, ATEX, vacuum, shock and EMC), annual quantities and timescale, because these decide whether a standard, modified or custom design is the best fit.
43 series compared
Series from 5 manufacturers, grouped by type. Figures are the highest published for each series. Open a series for the full specification and, for brands outside our supply network, the alternatives that meet or exceed it.
Capacitive rotary encoder (9)
| Brand | Series | Resolution | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netzer Precision | VLP | 23 bit | — |
| Netzer Precision | VLX | 23 bit | — |
| Netzer Precision | VLA | — | — |
| Netzer Precision | VLT | 23 bit | — |
| Netzer Precision | VLZ | 26 bit | — |
| Netzer Precision | VLS | 23 bit | — |
| Netzer Precision | VLM | 32 bit | — |
| Netzer Precision | DS | 23 bit | — |
| Netzer Precision | DL | 22 bit | — |
Magnetic rotary encoder (9)
| Brand | Series | Resolution | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogen | AKS16 / AKS16-MT | 20 bit | — |
| Bogen | AKS17 | 24 bit | — |
| Bogen | AKP18 | 20 bit | — |
| Bogen | IKS9 / IKS9.1 | — | — |
| Bogen | IKS11 / IKP11 | — | — |
| Bogen | IKS15 / IKS15.1 | — | — |
| Bogen | IKS23 | — | 16 m/s |
| Bogen | RMSI | — | — |
| Bogen | RMSN | — | — |
Magnetic linear encoder (6)
| Brand | Series | Resolution | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogen | ALS21 | — | 15 m/s |
| Bogen | xMARS | — | — |
| Bogen | LMSI | — | — |
| Bogen | LMSA | — | — |
| Bogen | LMSN | — | — |
| Bogen | LMSB | — | — |
Magnetic encoder (6)
| Brand | Series | Resolution | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renishaw | RLS RMB30 | 13 bit | — |
| Renishaw | RLS RM08 | 12 bit | — |
| Renishaw | RLS RE16 | — | — |
| Renishaw | RLS AksIM-4 | 21 bit | — |
| Renishaw | RLS HiLin | — | 25.28 m/s |
| Renishaw | RLS LinACE InAxis | — | — |
Optical incremental encoder (5)
| Brand | Series | Resolution | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renishaw | TONiC | — | 10 m/s |
| Renishaw | VIONiC | — | 12 m/s |
| Renishaw | QUANTiC | — | 24 m/s |
| Renishaw | ATOM | — | 20 m/s |
| Renishaw | ATOM DX | — | 20 m/s |
Inductive encoder (2)
| Brand | Series | Resolution | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novanta | Mini Ultra IncOder | 20 bit | — |
| Novanta | Midi Ultra IncOder | 22 bit | — |
Capacitive linear encoder (2)
Optical absolute encoder (2)
Enclosed linear encoder (2)
Summarised from manufacturers' published data. Always confirm against the current datasheet; an engineer will check the fit before recommending anything.
Brands
Spec builder
Specify encoders and feedback
Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
Engineer support
Talk to an engineer about encoders and feedback
Tell us what you need, whether it is this part, an equivalent or a complete axis built around it. An engineer will review your requirements and reply, normally within one working day.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.