Decoding Rotary Sensor Basics and Types

 Rotary sensors are basic requirements in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. The different types of rotary sensors have unique angle measurement range and signal output, as well as other factors. As a matter of fact, these factors are essential for determining the possibility of operational efficiency with rotary sensors. The growing recognition for rotary encoders or sensors has created a sudden demand for learning about rotary sensor basics and types. Let us take a brief overview of the fundamental aspects related to rotary sensors and their variants.

What are Rotary Sensors?

A rotary sensor, otherwise known as a shaft or rotary encoder, is basically an electro-mechanical device. It is actually a variant of position sensors that helps in determining the angular position of rotating shafts in various devices. The rotary sensor is capable of representing the angular rotation of an object along the shaft in the form of electric signals.

Interestingly, rotary position sensors are quite advanced than rotary encoders. While encoders can measure complete shaft rotations, rotary position sensors can measure the angular movement of objects, even with incomplete rotation along the axis of the shaft. Now, the next important piece of information related to rotary sensor basics and types refers to its applications. Here are some common applications of rotary sensors.

·         Detection of gear position in various machines

·         Controlling the damper in ventilation systems

·         Industrial process control mechanisms

·         Automobile position sensors for determining the pedal position and the steering wheel position

Working of Rotary Sensors

The working of rotary sensors basically focuses on translating the mechanical rotation of an object into electronic signals. Rotary sensors generally use an optical decoder mechanism that shines LED light through a disc with markings. The LED light falls on an optical sensor for detecting motion. In the case of magnetic rotary sensors, the same principle is applicable, albeit with a magnetic sensor detecting motion in terms of magnetized wheel turns.

Classification of Rotary Sensors

With that much being said about rotary sensor basics and its types, let us reflect on some important variants of rotary sensors. The most common criteria for classification of rotary sensors include the sensing technology and the output signal. Rotary sensors are classified into incremental and absolute sensors on the basis of output signal. In terms of sensing technology, rotary sensors can be classified into magnetic, optical, and laser variants.

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