An encoder is a device, circuit, transducer, software program, algorithm or person that converts information from one format or code to another, for the purpose of standardization, speed or compression.1
The encoder can be divided into 4 types. Firstly, different classification according to the hole cutting method of code disk. And in this type, it can be separated by 2 types. One is the Incremental type, the other is the Absolute value type. Secondly, according to the type of signal output, it can be divided into a voltage output, collector open circuit output, push-pull complementary output, and long line drive output. Thirdly, classification by the mechanical installation of an encoder. Last but not at least, according to the working principle of encoder, it can be divided into photoelectric type, magnetoelectric type, and contact brush type. Depends on it can be divided by many different types, it increases more and more possibilities to be used in many different areas.
For example, in the elevator industry, it can be used to control the position of the car and the speed of the elevator.2 Moreover, in the machine tool industry. The encoder can be used in the motor industries. Also, it can be used in AI, army and so on.
With regard to what I have mentioned above, for my own viewpoint, the encoder has a good development in the future. In fact, the degree of global industrialization is different. From industry 2.0 to industry 4.0 in China, every enterprise or regional industry is in a different stage. In the process of leaping to industry 4.0, not only equipment but also a large number of sensors and software are needed to be input to obtain real data in real-time. As the sensor at the end of the whole machine, the encoder shoulders the role of grabbing real data and executing the brain. Therefore, the encoder plays a very important role in it.3 So, creators need to make the encoder be higher cost performance, digitalization and networking. Thus, the encoder can develop well in the future.
reference: 1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encoder. 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea8Kr4vVlWk. 3. http://www.elecfans.com/d/856966.html