Development of a combined magnetic encoder

Purpose As a type of angular displacement sensor, the Hall-effect magnetic encoder incorporates many advantages. While compared with the photoelectric encoder, the magnetic encoder nevertheless has lower precision and lower resolution. So, the purpose of this essay is to find a way to increase the precision and resolution of the magnetic encoder. Design/methodology/approach By combining a single-pole magnetic encoder and a multi-pole AlNiCo magnet, the precision and resolution of this combined magnetic encoder are increased without increasing its volume or complicating its structure. A special algorithm system is developed to ensure faithful encoding and decoding. Findings Tests show that the combined magnetic encoder, with a diameter of 67.12 mm (including shaft) and thickness of 6.9 mm, has a precision of ±6′, compared with a 15-bit photoelectric encoder and a static resolution of ±0.6′. Originality/value This new kind of magnetic encoder could be used in specialized fields which need high-precision servo-control systems that are small, have ultra-low-speed and high-speed ratios and are non-oil-polluting or shock-resistant.