I am interested in using the Roboteq KBL1660 for a work project but I am not sure if the encoder I am planning on using will be compatible with this brushless motor controller. I have read the Roboteq motor controller user manual and it says this controller is suitable with a sin/cos Absolute Encoder, however the encoder I am planning on using is just a sin/cos encoder. I don’t know if it is Absolute or not.
The encoder is a Quantum Devices - LP12 series. Link to their spec sheet below.
Which encoder configuration should I select to be compatible with the KBL1660 ?
I look forward to your response. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Great to see you around, welcome to the forum. It seems to me that your encoder selection its an incremental encoder.
Encoders can be either absolute or incremental. Absolute encoders have a unique code for each shaft position. Or in other words, every position of an absolute encoder is distinctive. The absolute encoder interprets a system of coded tracks to create position information where no two positions are identical. Another feature is that absolute encoders do not lose position whenever power is switched off. Since each position is distinctive, the verification of true position is available as soon as power is switched on. It is not important to initialize the system by going back to a home base for a reference.
Incremental encoders are less complex than absolute models, and therefore typically less expensive (though the price difference is shrinking). If you are only monitoring speed, the direction of motion, or the relative position, an incremental encoder is usually the best option, but when absolute position is your key concern, an absolute encoder is the way to go.
An absolute encoder provides a unique position value or data word at every point of rotation representing the “absolute” position of the encoder. From the moment you switch it on, an absolute encoder can tell you the exact position of the rotating shaft that it is measuring. It does this by using an optical, magnetic, or capacitive sensor to read a unique code off of a disc that rotates with the shaft. Crucially, an absolute encoder can do this without needing to turn the shaft and can keep track of this position even in instances of temporary power loss. The more unique codes there are on the encoder’s disc, the more precise your position reading will be.
I was looking for other options, but I couldn’t find them. Let’s wait and see if someone else can help you.
Thank you so much for responding and providing feedback on my question.
I wasn’t sure if this encoder is incremental or absolute because you can choose the output type as Sin/Cos/Line Driver or Sin/Cos/Open Collector and I thought Sin/Cos encoders are all Absolute.
I understand your explanation of the difference between incremental and absolute, and for my application I will need it to know its position every time on startup or during power loss. Incremental encoders need to do a home / zero procedure on startup which is undesirable in my application. Unfortunately the gearmotor only comes with this encoder so I’ve got a problem on my hand.
Let’s wait and see if someone else will chime in. Thank you so much!
