Single-Turn Encoders Vs Multi-Turn Encoders - Dynapar

2/20/2021 Single-Turn Encoders vs Multi-Turn Encoders | Dynapar
Single-Turn vs Multi-Turn
Encoders
Single-turn encoders measure displacement across 360° from a defined starting position with
the output repeated for every revolution of the encoder’s shaft. Multi-turn encoders measure
the degree of rotation within 360 and track the number of total revolutions of the encoder’s
shaft using a unique word for each position and number of revolutions.
A single-turn encoder is analogous to a watch with only a minute hand (left). After 60 minutes,
the watch resets and does not record the total number of turns, or in or this case, hours. A
multi-turn encoder is like a watch with a minute and hour hand. At any given moment, both the
position of the minute hand and the total number of turns of the minute hand (hours) can be
read.
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Single-Turn Encoders vs Multi-Turn Encoders | Dynapar
Single-Turn Encoder Applications

Single-turn encoders are ideal for applications measuring less than 360° of rotation such as
measuring the pivot point of an angle or measuring partial rotations of a shaft. For example, a
single-turn encoder can be used to measure the pivot point of a door or gate to determine the
angle of the opening. A single-turn encoder may also be used to measure the pivot point of a
rotating antenna to determine its angle.
Single-turn absolute encoders are also commonly used in permanent magnet servo motors to
provide the position of the motor stator in relationship to the rotor upon startup for improved
torque control. While a motor makes multiple turns, many applications do not require tracking
the total number of rotations, only the position within one rotation.
Multi-Turn Encoder Applications

Multi-turn encoders are ideal for application measuring both the degree of rotation and the
total number of rotations. They are also ideal for measuring longer lengths of linear motion
where it is not possible or economical to use a linear encoder or when the pivot point of
rotation is not accessible. For example, tracking the motion along the circumference of a large
satellite dish, measuring the rotation of a slip-ring or measuring travel of a well-depth logging
system.
Multi-turn encoders are also ideal for servo motor feedback when the application involves
coordinated axes that are offset. With a single-turn encoder, the offsets would be lost when
the system loses power and the system would need to be homed. While a battery backup can
help prevent this, the system would still lose position if it mechanically moves while the power
is off (e.g. if an operator manually moves the device). With a multi-turn encoder, the offset
position can be programmed into the logic of the machine.
For example, if a semiconductor manufacturing system loses power while processing a large
wafer, rehoming the device and returning to its prior position within the nanometer is near
impossible and could result in the entire wafer being scrapped. Therefore, applications like this
use multi-turn encoders that allow for the position to be mechanically saved on the encoder in
the event of a power loss.
Multi-Turn Encoder Technology

There are 3 main types of multi-turn encoder technology:
Incremental Multi-Turn Encoder

Some incremental encoders include a special channel on their code
disc known as the index channel, or Z-channel. This is a separate
channel with a single opaque region. Each time the code disc
completes a full rotation, the Z-channel generates a single pulse.
The readout device can use this pulse to count the number of full
turns the load makes, and use up /down counting to track partial
turns.
The number of full rotations a multi-turn incremental encoder can monitor is limited only by the
processing and storage capability of the readout device which is normally a microprocessor.
The primary drawback of an incremental multi-turn encoder is that it loses all information at
power shutdown. To overcome this limitation, a battery backup can be used to allow the data
to be saved. However, if the system moves mechanically after the power is lost, the system
will need to be homed, unless the battery backup and a counter are present on the encoder
side.
Geared Absolute Multi-Turn Encoder

The simplest version of a multi-turn absolute encoder involves two
discs: one for monitoring ±360° and a secondary code disc for
monitoring full rotations of the primary code disc. The two are
connected by a complex gearing system that indexes the
secondary disc for every full rotation of the primary disc.
This can lead to a system capable of tracking a significant amount
of movement. For example, pairing a 10-bit primary disc and 10-bit secondary disc produces a
system capable of 1024 rotary positions and 1024 full turns. In theory, these designs can be
expanded to a high number of secondary discs, depending on the requirements of the
application
Wiegand-Sensor Absolute Multi-Turn

Encoder
A Wiegand-wire can be used to create a gearless multi-turn encoder that records turns by
inducing a change in a magnetic field causing a wire to generate a pulse once per encoder
revolution. The pulse powers a counter inside the encoder that then records the revolution.
With fewer mechanical components, Wiegand-sensor absolute multi-turn encoders are
generally more compact than other multi-turn encoders. Less friction is generated inside the
encoder thanks to fewer mechanical components.

Other Resources You Might Be Interested In
Using Absolute Encoders with Your Application
Encoder Interface Protocols
Incremental vs. Absolute Encoders
Encoder Resolution, Accuracy & Repeatability
Is a Multi-Turn Encoder More

Accurate Than a Single-Turn
Encoder?
A multi-turn encoder technically increases the resolution of the device. However, the root
accuracy is still dictated by the single-turn bit count. In many applications, the encoder will not
limit the system accuracy because the accuracy of the single-turn device exceeds the
mechanical accuracy of the rest of the system. Learn more about encoder accuracy vs
encoder resolution here
Additional Absolute Encoder Resources

Learn more about absolute encoder technology here
Learn how to choose absolute encoder communication protocols here

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2/20/2021 Single-Turn Encoders vs Multi-Turn Encoders | Dynapar

https://www.dynapar.com/knowledge/single-turn-vs-multi-turn-encoders/#:~:text=Encoder Output-,Single-Turn vs Multi-Turn Encoders,revolution o… 1/7

Single-Turn Encoder Applications

rotating antenna to determine its angle.

Multi-Turn Encoder Applications

position can be programmed into the logic of the machine.

the event of a power loss.

Multi-Turn Encoder Technology

Incremental Multi-Turn Encoder

Some incremental encoders include a special channel on their code

disc known as the index channel, or Z-channel. This is a separate

completes a full rotation, the Z-channel generates a single pulse.

Geared Absolute Multi-Turn Encoder

connected by a complex gearing system that indexes the

secondary disc for every full rotation of the primary disc.

This can lead to a system capable of tracking a significant amount

expanded to a high number of secondary discs, depending on the requirements of the

Wiegand-Sensor Absolute Multi-Turn

With fewer mechanical components, Wiegand-sensor absolute multi-turn encoders are

encoder thanks to fewer mechanical components.

https://www.dynapar.com/knowledge/single-turn-vs-multi-turn-encoders/#:~:text=Encoder Output-,Single-Turn vs Multi-Turn Encoders,revolution o… 3/7

Other Resources You Might Be Interested In

Using Absolute Encoders with Your Application

Encoder Interface Protocols

Incremental vs. Absolute Encoders

Encoder Resolution, Accuracy & Repeatability

Is a Multi-Turn Encoder More

encoder resolution here

Additional Absolute Encoder Resources

Learn how to choose absolute encoder communication protocols here

https://www.dynapar.com/knowledge/single-turn-vs-multi-turn-encoders/#:~:text=Encoder Output-,Single-Turn vs Multi-Turn Encoders,revolution o… 4/7

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