What is optical encoder?

An optical encoder is a sensor that determines value of angle shaft rotation by using a light beam that passes through a code disk (scale) into receiver.

The optical sensor is the most accurate type of encoder. In such device, code disk is attached to the shaft. On its surface special marks are made. They have transparent and opaque areas. Using a light source, such as LED, a concentrated beam is created. It passes through the sections on code disk and gets to the light receiver.

There is also a special type of optical sensor – reflective. Its feature is that optical beam does not pass through wheel, but is reflected from it and gets into receiver on the same side with light source. This method allows reducing the device size.

Our site is widely represented the most popular optical sensors manufactured by ELTRA.