Encoders

Bourns® Sensors Controls Product Line has continued to expand its encoder product offering with a wide variety of models to support our customers’ specific applications. Recognized worldwide for supplying standard and custom solutions as well as providing excellent technical support, Sensors and Controls is committed to providing our customers with reliable rotary encoder solutions.



Encoders are the digital version of potentiometers and panel controls. Rather than providing a resistive variable output with rotation of the shaft, encoders simulate an on/ off switching digital output. Applied as human-to-machine interface (HMI) devices, encoders are typically used to sense human adjustment of the device in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction triggering some action by the digital circuit. Applied as machine-to-machine interface (MMI) devices, encoders are typically coupled to a motor or other mechanical device to sense speed and direction of rotation.