[sci.electronics] summary of some optical encoder suppliers

bud@umiami.miami.edu (07/14/90)

The following is a list of companies that sell optical encoders and resolvers.
This list is by no means complete, but it contains a number of companies that
sell various types of encoders.

NOTICE:  This information is provided "as-is" -- every effort has been made
to proivde correct information, but I cannot be held liable for typos or
misinformation.  

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Hewlett Packard		(800) 752-0900		
	-- optical encoders and digital potentiometers - not free spinning
	   good CPR rating -- housings for lab environment

Renco Encoders		(800) 888-5007
	-- optical encoders -- medium to large size -- industrial housing
	   some available with shaft and bearings

Vernitech		(516) 586-5100
	-- optical encoders -- medium to large size -- industrial housing
	   available with shaft and bearings -- up to 600 CPR

BEI Motion Systems	(805) 968-0782
	-- optical encoders -- medium to large size -- industrial housing

Balluff			(800) 543-8390
	-- optical encoders -- relatively large size -- very rugged housing
	   high CPR rating -- very friendly people!

Encoder Products Corp.	(208) 263-8541
	-- small (1.5" x 1.5") sizes and larger -- somewhat expensive

Bourns			(801) 782-2070
	-- very small sizes available (under 1" x 1") -- good prices
	256 CPR max, higher under development -- many different housings
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Notes:  

Most companies will manufacture custom encoder wheels to a user-
specified CPR (counts per revolution) rating.

Most encoders offer two sensor quadrature output, allowing bi-directional 
sensing.  Resolution can usually be increased by phase analysis of the output
signals, yielding 2x or 4x the original resolution.