RESOLVER:

• CONVERT MECHANICAL MOTION INTO SIGNAL

• In mechatronics, the term "resolver" typically refers

to a type of sensor or transducer used to measure the
angular position of a rotating shaft or an object.
Resolvers are commonly employed in mechatronic
systems and applications where precise and reliable
position sensing is required.
What is a resolver?
Resolver is a rotary transformer that determines the angle and displacement
speed of its rotor. Its design is similar to a small synchronous motor.

Basic Principle:
Resolvers operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
They consist of two main components: a rotor and a stator.
The rotor is connected to the rotating shaft whose position needs to
be measured, while the stator remains stationary.
The key parts of resolver structure are:
•Stator
•Rotor
•RDC (or DCP)
Stator is a fixed part of design. It has connection to an AC
power source. Primary and secondary windings are located
here. The primary winding of stator (Exiting) induces
current to a primary winding of the rotor (reference) in
form of sinusoidal signal. It is also called Input Sin Signal.

Secondary windings (SIN and COSINE) receive feedback

from the rotor winding. They are stationary coils that give
output sine and cosine signals. These coils are located at
90° relative to each other.
Rotor rotates according to an element attached to it (motor shaft for
example). Depending on its displacement, the signal from the
secondary windings changes in accordance. Resolver for each
position gives a unique ratio of such Sin and Cos signal. Therefore,
device can determine actual shifting angle and rotation speed of the
rotor. Hence, it transmits the absolute position using an analog
signal.

RDC (resolver digital converter) or DCP (digital signal processor) are

necessary devices for connecting resolver to a controller or an
industrial PC. Such equipment converts an analog signal to more
understandable for industrial systems digital one.
An encoder is a device or sensor used in mechatronics, automation, and various
engineering applications to convert physical motion or position into an electrical
signal or digital data. Encoders play a crucial role in providing feedback, control,
and monitoring of position, speed, and direction in machinery and systems.
What is an encoder?
Encoder determines an angle of rotation of its own shaft. As a
resolver is a rotary device, let's look only at rotary encoders.
There are many encoder types according to operation and
sensing principles. Manufacturers produce optical, magnetic,
inductive, capacitive, resistive, and even mechanical types.

Each of them has its own features.

However, the working principle and main parts of all types are quite
similar.

•Shaft (or bore)

•Disk
•Source and Receiver
•Electronic interface

Shaft is mechanically connected to another device and rotates

equivalently with it. A disk is attached to the shaft.
Disk has special marks on its surface through which the
beam from a source (e.g. in optical types) passed or does
not pass into a receiver. In these marks, a shifting angle of
the shaft is encoded.

Source and Receiver are located on opposite sides of disk.

It rotates between them.

Electronic interface determines the information and

transfers it further to the control system.
There are two primary types of encoders: rotary encoders and linear encoders.
1.Rotary Encoder:
1.Incremental Rotary Encoder: This type of encoder generates a series of
pulses as the shaft or object it's attached to rotates. It provides
information about the relative change in position or angular displacement.
2.Absolute Rotary Encoder: An absolute rotary encoder provides
information about the absolute position of the shaft or object it's
monitoring. It can determine the exact position, even after power loss or
system restart, as it typically uses a binary or Gray code to represent each
position uniquely.
2.Linear Encoder:
1.Linear encoders are used to measure linear motion along a straight path.
They are often used in machinery such as CNC (Computer Numerical
Control) machines and measuring equipment to precisely determine the
position of a tool or object along a linear axis.
Difference between resolver and encoder
Resolvers and encoders are both types of sensors used to measure position, speed, or angular displacement in
various mechanical and mechatronic systems. However, they differ in their operating principles, advantages,
and applications. Here's a comparison of the key differences between resolvers and encoders:
1. Operating Principle:
•Resolver:
• Resolvers operate based on electromagnetic induction principles.
• They generate two sinusoidal (sine and cosine) electrical signals as the rotor or object they're
monitoring rotates.
• The phase and amplitude of these signals change as the rotor's position changes, allowing for position
determination.
•Encoder:
• Encoders can operate using various principles, including optical, magnetic, capacitive, or inductive
methods.
• They typically generate digital or pulse-based signals that represent position, speed, or angular
displacement.
• Encoders can be categorized as incremental or absolute, depending on whether they provide absolute
or relative position information.
2. Resolution and Accuracy:
•Resolver:
• Resolvers typically offer high resolution and accuracy, especially in high-end
applications.
• They can provide precise position feedback.
•Encoder:
• Encoders vary in resolution and accuracy, depending on the type and design.
• Optical encoders, for example, can offer very high precision, while some magnetic
encoders may have lower resolution.

3. Cost
Encoders have more complicated details to manufacture, so they are more expensive. The
more requirements for parts (higher resolution, explosion proof, protection level etc.), the
greater price, respectively.
Resolver has a simpler design, so it is cheaper. Repair and maintenance of it will also cost
less. However, it is worth mentioning that to connect it you will need to buy additional
equipment.