Encoders

Choosing Encoders components

Encoder selection is one of the more error-prone replacement decisions because two encoders that look identical can have different output protocols, different resolutions, and different power requirements. The part number encodes all of this, and a "close enough" substitute usually fails to communicate with the controller.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Type: incremental (A/B/Z pulses) or absolute (position-on-power-up via serial or parallel interface)
Resolution: PPR (pulses per revolution) for incremental; bits per turn and turn count for absolute (e.g., 17-bit single-turn + 12-bit multi-turn)
Output signal: TTL (5 V), HTL/push-pull (10–30 V), RS-422 differential, SSI, BiSS-C, EnDat 2.2, HIPERFACE, Profinet, EtherCAT, CANopen
Supply voltage — 5 V, 10–30 V, or specific to the OEM
Shaft type: solid shaft (with bellows or flex coupling required), hollow-shaft, hub-shaft, blind hollow
Shaft diameter or bore diameter
Mounting: synchro flange, clamping flange, square flange, servo flange
IP rating, especially for direct outdoor or washdown mounting
Cable or connector style (M12, M23, MS, flying leads)

Common gotchas: incremental encoders with TTL output running on a 24 V machine bus require level shifters or HTL versions — direct connection damages the output stage. Absolute encoders with multi-turn count via gear (mechanical multi-turn) require power to retain count, but battery-backed multi-turn loses count when the battery dies during long shutdowns. Hollow-shaft encoders need a torque arm or anti-rotation pin; without it the encoder body spins with the shaft and shears the cable. Coupling alignment on solid-shaft encoders is critical — misalignment over time destroys the bearings.

Typical applications: motor feedback for servo and VFD vector control, conveyor speed and position feedback, length measurement on cut-to-length lines, indexing table position, and CNC axis feedback. For legacy machines, exact OEM encoder replacement preserves the signal type, resolution, and mechanical interface the controller expects.

For obsolete encoders, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Do you stock obsolete Heidenhain, BEI, and Dynapar encoders?

Yes. Discontinued Heidenhain ROD/ERN, retired BEI HS35/HS25, end-of-life Dynapar HR/HS, and earlier Kübler 5800 series are sourced through our supplier network.

Incremental vs. absolute — which do I need?

Incremental for velocity feedback and position relative to a homing reference. Absolute when the controller must know position immediately on power-up without a homing cycle — required for safety and any application where a homing move is unsafe or impossible.

Will the encoder battery be charged in surplus units?

For battery-backed multi-turn absolute encoders in surplus units, the battery may be depleted. We state the battery condition where known and can supply a replacement battery on request.

Can I substitute a higher-resolution encoder?

Sometimes — controllers with adjustable PPR settings accept different resolutions. Many older controllers expect a specific PPR coded in firmware; substituting a different resolution then requires controller reconfiguration.

Hollow-shaft vs. shaft-coupled — which fits my motor?

Hollow-shaft mounts directly onto the motor shaft with a torque arm and avoids alignment issues. Shaft-coupled uses a flex coupling and tolerates motors without a rear shaft extension. The original OEM mounting on the motor determines what fits.

What is the warranty?

12 months functional warranty. Damage from shaft misalignment, missing torque arm, or improper coupling installation is not covered.

Autonics E18S2.5-200-1-N-5-S 18 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-100-3-T-24 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-100-3-V-24 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-100-3-V-5 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-200-3-T-24 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-200-3-V-5 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-360-3-N-24-C 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-360-3-V-24 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E30S4-500-3-T-24 30 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Shaft Type)

Autonics E40H10-10-3-T-24 40 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Hollow Shaft Type)

Autonics E40H10-100-3-T-24 40 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Hollow Shaft Type)

Autonics E40H10-1024-3-N-24 40 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Hollow Shaft Type)

Autonics E40H10-120-3-N-24 40 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Hollow Shaft Type)

Autonics E40H10-5000-3-T-5 40 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Hollow Shaft Type)

Autonics E40H12-100-3-T-24 40 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Hollow Shaft Type)

Autonics E40H12-100-3-V-24 40 mm Incremental Rotary Encoders (Hollow Shaft Type)

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