An optical encodings is a type of encoder that uses optical technologies to provide digital or analog output signals indicating angular or linear position, direction of motion, or rotational speed of a mechanical member such as a shaft or axle. Optical encodingss operate based on the interruption of light source using a code wheel or disk with alternating opaque and transparent segments. These alternating segments are detected by optical detectors which generate digital or analog output signals corresponding to the position or motion.

Components and Working

An Optical Encoder consists of three main components - a light source, a code wheel or disk and light detectors. A light emitting diode (LED) is commonly used as the light source which illuminates the code wheel or disk. The code wheel or disk contains alternating opaque and transparent segments arranged in Gray code, binary code or other encoding schemes. There are usually more segments for higher resolution. As the code wheel rotates or moves linearly, it interrupts the light falling on the detectors. Light sensors or detectors like photodiodes or phototransistors are used to detect the light and dark segments. The output of the detectors is processed by the encoder electronics to determine position and motion parameters.

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