What are the advantages of absolute over incremental encoders?！

A key reason for selecting absolute over incremental technology is in consideration of a machine's start-up cycle. An axis fitted with incremental encoders typically has to hunt to locate a reference mark to establish the datum or zero position. Renishaw's absolute encoders provide exact position immediately at switch-on without any need for movement of the axis. Locating reference marks can be a real problem for multi-axis machines, especially if the axes are not orthogonal or if the payload is sensitive or fragile.

Often, absolute encoders remove the need for a separate encoding system for motor commutation. Since no motion is necessary to determine absolute position, the same encoder can be used for motion feedback and motor commutation.

Finally, Renishaw absolute encoders overcome the speed/resolution trade-off which often restricts the performance of incremental axes. Position is provided on-demand, avoiding the very high bandwidth needed to transmit high resolution incremental signals on fast-moving axes. For example, RESOLUTE can provide feedback with 1 nm resolution on axes which move at up to 100 m/s. With an incremental encoder, a bandwidth of 100 GHz would be required to achieve that!

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