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Optical encoder and magnetic encoder are two different types of mechanical encoding systems.

An optical encoder works by converting the movement of an object into a series of linear features. It uses a light source and a photodetector to do this. The light source projects light onto a moving object and the photodetector detects the light as it passes over the surface. The movement is then converted into a series of numbers.

A magnetic encoder works by converting the movement of an object into a series of linear features. It uses a magnetic sensor and a magnetic encoder to do this. The magnetic sensor projects a magnetic field over the surface of a moving object and the magnetic encoder detects the field as it moves over the surface. The movement is then converted into a series of numbers.

Both types of encoders can be used for measuring movement and position. However, an optical encoder uses a light source and photodetector, while a magnetic encoder uses a magnetic sensor and encoder.

What is magnetic encoder?

A magnetic encoder is a type of mechanical encoding system that works by converting the movement of an object into a series of linear features. It uses a magnetic sensor and a magnetic encoder to do this.

The magnetic sensor projects a magnetic field over the surface of a moving object and the magnetic encoder detects the field as it moves over the surface. The movement is then converted into a series of numbers.

Magnetic encoders can be used for measuring movement and position. They are often used in industrial automation and control systems, such as in robotic systems or in manufacturing processes. They are generally more expensive than other types of encoders, but they can provide more accurate position measurements.

What is an optical encoder?

An optical encoder is a type of mechanical encoding system that works by converting the movement of an object into a series of linear features. It uses a light source and a photodetector to do this.

The light source projects light onto a moving object and the photodetector detects the light as it passes over the surface. The movement is then converted into a series of numbers.

Optical encoders can be used for measuring movement and position. They are often used in industrial automation and control systems, such as in robotic systems or in manufacturing processes. They are generally less expensive than other types of encoders, but they may not provide as accurate position measurements.

Bottom line: optical reads with light, magnetic reads with a field. Both turn motion into pulses/numbers. If you want clean environment + good cost, optical is a neat fit; if you need rugged + uptime, magnetic keeps running where dust/oil live.

Selection rule-of-thumb: precision and budget → optical; harsh conditions and durability → magnetic. Don’t forget the output interface you’ll read (TTL/HTL, open-collector, etc.) and where it lands—PLC, counter, or drive. Wrong interface = noise, false counts, headache.

Practical tips: shielded cable + single-point grounding, proper coupling alignment, and debounce/filtering in the controller. If the project grows, push the signal into a DERELL PLC and scale to alarms, diagnostics, and reporting without changing the field hardware.

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