Displacement encoders are used to measure a distance to a measuring object. They consist of sensors and are based on different operating principles. In addition, there are different types of displacement encoders.
In pneumatics, a distinction is made between linear and rotary displacement encoders. Linear displacement encoders are used to detect positions and measure distances. The measurement works either contactless or by a contact sensor. Rotary displacement encoders, on the other hand, are usually rotary encoders, encoders or potentiometers. A distinction is made here between the absolute and incremental measuring systems. With absolute measuring systems, the user can read the position value immediately after switching on the application. With incremental measuring systems, on the other hand, a reference point must first be approached after switching on in order to obtain the zero position. The position is then detected by a cyclic signal.
Displacement encoders are subject to different operating principles. Inductive systems operate completely contact-free and have a measuring range of up to approx. 50 mm. The output signal is not binary, but is output as an analog value. With the active principle of magnetostriction, the measurement is also contactless. Magnetostrictive systems also operate wear-free and absolute. In industrial scenarios, they have a wide range of applications as they cover a measuring range up to approx. 8000 mm.
Linear potentiometers belong to the contact sensor systems. These operate as voltage dividers with a conductive resistance path over which a slider travels to detect the position. Magnetically encoded displacement measurement, which can be used up to approx. 50 meters, is also contact-based.
In addition, there are optoelectronic displacement encoders and optical distance sensors. They measure the distance to an object by means of a light beam generated by a light-emitting diode or laser diode and are therefore also non-contact measuring devices.
Festo displacement encoders are available in analog and digital versions, are suitable for measuring and positioning, and have a wide range of applications in pneumatics. The displacement encoder MME-MTS-TLF is based on the magnetostrictive measuring principle, operates completely contactless and scores major points with its high travel speed. The displacement encoder MLO-POT-LWG is a push rod potentiometer with a long service life, which is measures absolutely and is characterized by high resolution. Our displacement encoder MLO-POT-TLF is a conductive plastic potentiometer that guarantees a high travel speed with a long service life.