Euroblock, short for "European-style terminal block"; is a combination of a low-voltage disconnect (or pluggable) connector and terminal block commonly used for microphones and line-level audio signals , and for control signals such as RS-232 or RS-485. It is also known as the Phoenix connector and comes from a German Phoenix Electric Company, which was established in 1981 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA. Also known as "Plug-in Terminal Blocks" or "Two-Piece Terminal Blocks". Eurostyle Terminal Blocks,Eurostyle Terminal Blocks High Temperature,Eurostyle Terminal Blocks Kit,Eurostyle Terminal Blocks Heat Resistant Sichuan Xinlian electronic science and technology Company , https://www.sztmlch.com
An encoder is a device that transforms a signal, such as a bit stream, into a format suitable for communication, transmission, and storage. It can convert angular or linear displacement into an electrical signal—this type is known as a code wheel or code ruler, respectively. Encoders are typically categorized into contact and non-contact types based on their readout method. From a functional perspective, they can be divided into incremental and absolute encoders.
Incremental encoders generate a periodic electrical signal in response to displacement, which is then converted into counting pulses. The number of these pulses indicates the magnitude of movement. However, they do not provide absolute position information; instead, they rely on a counting device to track the position. If power is lost, the encoder cannot remember its position unless it has a reference point. This means that during operation, any interruption in pulse output could cause a shift in the zero point, leading to inaccurate results.
To address this, many systems use a reference point. Every time the encoder passes this point, it resets the counting device to the correct position. Before reaching the reference point, the position may not be accurate. In industrial applications, this often involves finding a reference point at the start of each operation.
In contrast, absolute encoders assign a unique binary code to each position. These codes are derived from the physical position of the code disc, making them immune to power loss and interference. Unlike incremental encoders, they do not require a reference point or continuous counting. When you need to know the position, you simply read the current code. This improves reliability and reduces errors caused by signal loss.
Absolute encoders are widely used in servo motors due to their high precision. They often have multiple bits, which increases the number of output lines. If parallel output is used, it requires a large number of cables, making installation complex and less reliable. To overcome this, most modern absolute encoders use serial or bus-based outputs, such as SSI (Synchronous Serial Interface), which simplifies wiring and enhances performance.
Single-turn absolute encoders measure rotation within a 360-degree range, but if the measurement exceeds this, a multi-turn absolute encoder is required. These encoders use a gear mechanism to track multiple rotations, expanding the measurement range while maintaining a unique code for each position. Multi-turn encoders are particularly useful in long-range positioning applications and eliminate the need to find a reference point during installation, making setup easier and more flexible.
In summary, the main difference between incremental and absolute encoders lies in how they determine position. Incremental encoders rely on counting pulses and require a reference point, while absolute encoders provide direct position data without the need for calibration. Absolute encoders are more expensive due to their complexity and higher precision, but they offer greater reliability and accuracy, especially in critical control systems.