Displacement encoders are used to measure a distance to an object. They consist of sensors and are based on different operating principles. There are also 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 without making contact or with a contacting sensor. Rotary displacement encoders, on the other hand, are usually encoders, shaft encoders or potentiometers. A difference is made here between 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 homing run must first be carried out after switch-on in order to obtain the zero position. The position is then recorded by a cyclic signal.