Glossary of Terms
Absolute code
Binary code where only 1-bit changes logic state
from one angular position to the next (a.k.a. Gray
code).
ASIC
Application-speci?c integrated circuit
Code
The digital output signal produced by an encoder.
Conductive plastic (CP)
A binder or resin blended with carbon powder
and/or other conductive material. This material is
screened onto an insulating substrate to fabricate
resistive elements for potentiometers.
Backlash
The maximum difference in shaft position that
occurs when the shaft is moved to the same actual
output ratio point from opposite directions.
Binary
Two logical states (High, 1, true/Low, 0 false); the
basis of binary data-processing systems.
Binary code
A speci?c code utilizing the binary numbering
system (i.e. “0” and “1”).
Bit
(incremental encoders) Refers to 1 quantum of
data or 1 increment of digital code. (absolute
encoders) Refers to the number of tracks which
normally equate to 2nth power, i.e., 8 bits = 2 8 =
256 discreet positions, likewise 12 bits = 2 12 =
4,096 discreet positions.
Carbon
A mixture of carbon powder and phenolic resin
that is sprayed, screened, or brushed onto a
Contact resistance variation (CRV)
The variation in resistance between the wiper and
a non-wirewound resistive element when the
wiper is energized with a speci?ed current and
moved over the electrical travel in either direction
at a speci?ed speed (does not include the effects of
roll-on or roll-off).
Cycles per revolution (CPR)
The number of full quadrature cycles per full shaft
revolution (360 mechanical degrees).
Cup
A single mechanical section of a potentiometer. A
multi-cup potentiometer may contain one or more
sections, either electrical resistance elements or
switch modules.
Current tap
An electrical connection ?xed to the resistance
element, which is capable of carrying, rated
element current and may distort the output
characteristic.
phenolic or ceramic substrate.
Electrical cycle
Cermet
A mixture of metal particles, precious metal
oxides, glass powders, blended with a liquid
vehicle. This material is typically screened onto a
substrate (commonly ceramic) and ?red at
temperatures that ?ow glass to fabricate resistive
elements for potentiometers.
One complete four-state quadrature cycle. Each
cycle is divided into 360 electrical degrees (°e) and
can be decoded into 1, 2, or 4 counts, referred to as
X1, X2, or X4 resolution multipliers.
Electrical degree (°e)
1/360 of one full quadrature cycle.
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