Glossary of Technical Terms
A list of terms and definitions you may find helpful.
Absolute Rotary Encoder
An electromechanical device converts the angular position into digital data, which is retained when electrical power is removed. It can also be used to determine linear position and speed/acceleration.
AC [~]
Alternating current.
Alarm Signal
Serves to monitor the shaft encoder for malfunctions, such as glass breakage, short circuit and insufficient line voltage.
Analogue Signal
An output signal which alters continuously.
Axial Loading
Maximum load on the encoder’s shaft in the axial direction.
Baud Rate
Rate of data transfer (bits per second) expressed in Mbaud, i.e. 12 Mbaud.
Bi-directional
Operating in two directions.
Binary
Two logic states (Yes/No) are the basis of binary data processing systems.
Binary Code
Code using binary numbering is often used for absolute measuring systems.
Bistable Signal
The output signal is present until the reset conditions are met.
Bit
Abbreviation for “Binary Digit” where the logical value is expressed as 0 or 1 to give a yes or no decision.
BLDC
Brushless DC Motor.
Bus
System for communication between several devices through a data line.
Byte
A sequence of 8 bits.
CW or CCW
Clockwise or Counter Clockwise.
Complementary
An electronic circuit with encoder outputs to invert two channels and express a voltage difference between two lines, thus removing interference along transmission cables that connect an incremental encoder with its controller.
COR
Count correction.
Counting Rate
See count frequency.
Count Frequency
The number of count pulses per second [Hz].
CSA Approval
Approval by the Canadian Standards Association.
Data Integrity
Correspondence of data with the reality they describe.
DC [=]
Direct current.
DIR
Direction.
Direction BW
BW shaft rotation, viewing the front display, the top of the rotary shaft is going away from the observer.
Direction BZ
BZ shaft rotation, viewing the front display, the top of the rotary shaft is coming towards the observer.
Disable
Blocking of a function.
Duty Cycle [ED]
The ratio of pulse length to non-pulse period, a 40% duty cycle, the pulse length is 4/10 and the non-pulse period 6/10 of the total time.
ED
See duty cycle.
EMC
Electromagnetic compatibility.
Gate
See inhibit.
Gray Code
Only one data bit change per measuring step at a time.
Incremental Rotary Encoder
An electromechanical device which converts the angular position into data (pulses determined by a marked disk). It can also be used to determine linear position, speed & acceleration. Incremental encoders do not retain positional data on the removal of power.
INH
Inhibit.
Inhibit
Blocking of the counter input during counting operation.
Interface
The interface is used for communication between the counter and external systems. Count values can be input or output via the interface.
IP
See Protection Class.
Keylock
Blocking of keyboard inputs.
Key Reset
The reset button can only be operated using a key.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. A passive display requiring external light or backlighting to be read.
LED
Light Emitting Diode. An active display lights up as long as a supply voltage is fed to the device.
LSB
Least Significant Bit.
Monostable Signal
The out signal is active for a defined period.
MSB
Most Significant Bit.
NC
Not connected. Defines unassigned connections in diagrams.
NPN
Transistor input/output circuit implemented with NPN transistor, thus negative switching.
NV Memory
Non-volatile; electronic non-volatile memory for electronic counters is used for value retention in case the supply voltage is interrupted.
OFF Delay Timing (Pneumatic Timers)
The OFF is delayed. The output valve is positive while timing and negative on timeout, referred to as open valve timing.
ON Delay Timing (Pneumatic Timers)
The ON is delayed. The output valve is negative while timing and positive on timeout referred to as closed valve timing.
OUT
Output (preset, zero, signal).
Parallel Interface
Transfer point at which the data is transferred in parallel over several lines.
PNP
Transistor input/output circuit implemented with PNP transistor, thus positive switching.
PPR
Pulses Per Revolution.
Prescaler
The factor by which the incoming pulses are multiplied.
Preset Counter
Counters with control functions.
PSC
See Prescaler.
Protection Class
An IP rating is a two-figure code number, for example, IP40, the first digit being the degree of protection against the ingress of solids and the second digit being the degree of protection against water.
PVC
Polyvinylchloride, a plastic coating of device cables.
Radial Loading
Maximum load on the encoder’s shaft in the radial direction.
Reference Pulse
A square wave signal is generated by a reference mark, usually only one increment wide, to provide an absolute reference for an incremental encoder.
RES
Reset, see reset.
Reset
Resetting of a counter to its initial value.
Resolver
A device for monitoring an electric motor’s speed and angular position is usually integrated into the rotor shaft and is sometimes known as a motor feedback controller.
Sense
The sense lines (Sense VCC and sense GND) enable measurement of the factual encoder voltage without adulteration by a voltage drop due to supply current and cable resistivity. With that, e.g. supply voltage can automatically be adjusted.
Torque
Applying force acting at a radial distance from a central point causes rotation.
Totalising Counter
A counter which only adds up received pulses without a control function.
TPE
Thermoplastic polyester elastomer, a plastic coating of device cables.
Transmission Ratio
The first number indicates the rotation of the shaft, and the second number shows the count value in the display.
Unidirectional
Operating in a single direction.