Encoder: what it means.
Motor systems use encoder feedback to obtain position or motion information. TI describes incremental and absolute encoder interfaces among the resources used for servo-drive control. (Texas Instruments: motor control)
Encoder signals do not independently solve every navigation or control problem. A shaft or wheel measurement needs the corresponding mechanism and system model to become an estimate of joint state or vehicle motion. (Texas Instruments: motor control)
Put the definition to work.
Wheel encoder counts can feed odometry, while a joint encoder can support motion control. Review how a particular encoder represents position and connects to its controller. (Texas Instruments: motor control)
Questions to ask next.
Use these questions as a reading checklist, not as a device-selection recommendation. Exact manufacturer documentation takes priority over a general definition.
- Incremental or absolute representation
- Mechanical relationship and interface
- Resolution, timing and interpretation
For the broader explanation, explore the electronics inside robots. This page defines the term; the companion guide connects it to the rest of the system.
Common Encoder questions.
Does an encoder measure a robot’s global position directly?
Not generally. Wheel measurements can contribute to odometry, but the resulting estimate also depends on a vehicle model and reference frame. Distinguish the measured motion from the inferred location. (Texas Instruments: motor control)