50 Years of Bit Parallel Encoders from POSITAL

MC 50 Years of Bit Parallel Eocoders from POSITAL 1 400

May 24, 2022

 

Encoder-maker POSITAL remains committed to supplying customers with absolute encoders with bit parallel communications interfaces. “Rotary encoders with parallel interfaces have been sold under the FRABA and POSITAL brands since 1972,” comments Christian Fell, leader of POSITAL’s North American operations.

Absolute encoders with parallel interfaces have always offered excellent dynamic response. However, the resolution of these encoders depends on the number of conductors in the connecting cable, resulting in a trade-off between resolution and cable size. As the performance of serial interfaces improved, parallel interfaces became less popular, and this interface has been dropped from many manufacturers’ catalogues. Nevertheless, with many parallel interface encoders still in service, there is a modest but steady demand for plug-compatible replacements.

POSITAL’s ability to supply this low-volume niche market with cost-effective products is directly related to its modular design philosophy and flexible “minimum order quantity: one” (MOQ1) manufacturing system.

Fell explains: “Our encoders are designed as assemblies of inter-changeable components. Except for a few specialized parts, our parallel interface encoders have most of the same components as encoders with serial, fieldbus, or industrial Ethernet interfaces. As long as we can source the necessary parts, we will continue to supply this market.”

POSITAL absolute encoders with parallel interfaces are based on the company’s optical measurement technology and are available in single (up to 16-bit resolution) and multi-turn (up to 25-bit output) configurations. Output is managed by an embedded microcontroller so that many coding options, including Binary, Gray and excess Gray are supported. Custom codes – such as Petherick, or those used in cam or end-switch type applications, can be implemented through software, making it possible to reproduce the functional characteristics of older sensors used in long-lived applications like public transport or machine tools. Like other POSITAL encoders, these devices are available with a wide range of options for housing material, flange design and shaft configuration (including through hollow).

 

PS: POSITAL will be exhibiting at AUTOMATE in Detroit (June 6-9) – Booth 2557. Feel free to stop by and have a fun ‘tech talk’ with Andy Zou (andy.zou@fraba.com). After a successful career with FRABA in Asia (where he helped to open the Shanghai office), Andy has joined the North American operation just a year ago. His mandate includes developing new market segments for FRABA and its brands POSITAL (encoders) and UBITO (Wiegand technology – energy harvesting and IIoT wireless sensors). The pandemic has limited Andy’s ability to get out and meet you all, so AUTOMATE will be a great opportunity to get acquainted!

MC 50 Years of Bit Parallel Eocoders from POSITAL 2 400

 

 

 

To learn more about POSITAL’s absolute encoders, click here 

 

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    May 20, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Hannover Messe 2025 was an extra special event for Festo. The Festo Group celebrated their 100th anniversary, Festo Canada celebrated their 50th anniversary, and Festo Didactic celebrated their 60th anniversary. Festo Didactic, the education arm of the company, understands how important education is for empowering individuals, driving economic growth,… Read More…

  • EtherCAT in Boost Mode

    May 14, 2025 EtherCAT and PC-based control in test bench technology EtherCAT is by far the fastest Industrial Ethernet technology. Nevertheless, the data acquisition process at Kraus & Naimer’s cam controller test benches called for an even shorter bus cycle. To achieve the required performance, Beckhoff specialists reduced the previous cycle time from 100 µs… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Electromate to Offer UR7e, UR12e & UR15 Collaborative Robots from Universal Robots

    May 20, 2025 Electromate is expanding its lineup of collaborative automation solutions with the addition of three advanced models from Universal Robots: the UR7e, UR12e, and UR15. These robots provide enhanced options for payload, reach, and precision in demanding collaborative applications. The UR7e delivers a 7 kg payload, 1300 mm reach, and ±0.03 mm repeatability. Positioned between the UR5e and… Read More…

  • Redefining Non-Invasive Temperature Measurement

    May 14, 2025 iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 provides accuracy and response time comparable to invasive temperature measurement. The non-invasive thermometer iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 by Endress+Hauser can be used across all industries for a wide range of demanding industrial applications. The surface-mounted thermometer measures process temperature without the risk of leakage and flow disruption. A specially designed… Read More…