Air Gap in High Resolution Optical Encoders

April 18, 2016

As the resolution of optical encoders increases, the distance from sensor to disk decreases. In the incremental encoder industry, this distance is called the “Air Gap”.

In the side view photo of an optical encoder above, the two red lines indicate the air gap between the sensor and disk in a QR145 incremental rotary encoder.

For more information on optical encoders, contact Quantum Devices at (608) 924-3000.