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1. Home
 2. Blog

3. Encoder versus Resolver. What the difference between them?

ENCODER VERSUS RESOLVER. WHAT THE

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM?

07.05.2020

CONTENTS:

 What is a resolver?
 What is an encoder?
 Difference between resolver and encoder
 Conclusion

Resolver and encoder perform the same function and transmit

feedback on the angle of rotation and rotation speed of their shaft
(rotor). In this article, we look at their differences according to the
following characteristics:

 Accuracy
 Reliability
 Cost
 Integration
 Diversity

First, we consider short definition of encoder and resolver, and then look
at the differences for each characteristic.

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.

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.

Due to its reliability, resolvers are used in the most demanding and
dangerous industries (metallurgy, military, space industries, etc.), where
stability and strength are required.

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. We have
already described this in detail in the following article: Types of
encoders.
However, the working principle and main parts of all types are quite
similar. Here are the common main parts of encoder:

 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.

Encoders are also divided into incremental and absolute. Incremental

devices measure the rotation from a specific reference point (so-called
zero point). Absolute encoders have a unique code for each position
(angle). Multi-turn encoders can monitor data during several revolutions.
Here is a detailed article about it: Absolute VS Incremental.
Due to its versatility, encoders are used in all industries and are limited
only by environmental conditions.

Difference between resolver and

encoder
Ok, here is the part all you are waiting for! We figured out the principle of
operation and design of both devices. Let's look in key pros and cons of
them deeper.

Accuracy
Encoder accuracy varies mainly by disk model. Resolution of some
devices can reach 10,000 ppr and even more. The best optical models
can produce value of 27 bits. See also: Encoder PPR and CPR meaning

Accuracy of resolver depends mainly on the number of its poles (on

sin/cos secondary windings). The more poles are located on its stator,
the more accurate its signal can be. However, this is most often still less
than on the equivalent encoder.

Reliability
The most accurate encoders (optical) are very dependent on the
contamination and temperature. Magnetic ones, for example, have
greater strength, but also have own bottom line. In general, after
temperature level above 120 °C (248°F), using encoders is very difficult.
Mechanical shocks and vibration have significant influence on its results.

Resolvers have neither electronics nor sensitive elements in their

structure. Therefore, they are much more reliable. Such equipment can
work optimally in extremely harsh conditions. It is resistant to vibration,
pollution, very high temperatures and even radiation.

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.

Integration

Encoders most often work with

a quadrature digital signal. It will be enough to connect them to a
controller, and they will transmit values to it (ppr, lpr, rpm, etc.). To do
this, they do not require additional equipment.
Resolvers work with an analog signal. For their integration into some
industrial systems with a digital signal, additional RPC or DSP converters
are needed. To connect it directly to the controlling device, it is necessary
to check that such device directly receives Sine and Cosine signals and
has suitable software.

Diversity
Encoders have dozens of different types with unique measurement
technologies and hundreds of modifications. Multi-turn absolute devices
can count a number of revolutions in addition.

Resolvers have just a few types. According to the number of poles, there
are two-pole or multiple types. According to the operation principle,
there are also two main categories: Receiver and Differential.

Conclusion
So, the choice of needed device depends on two key factors:

 Type of control electronics

 Environmental impact

As resolvers have an analog signal, they can replace encoders only when
the control device can receive sine/cosine signals and have similar
hardware. In other hand, they need to be used in conditions of a high
level of vibration, temperatures over 120 degrees Celsius (248
Fahrenheit), contamination, and mechanical shocks.

Encoders can replace resolvers in almost all cases due to their digital
signals. If you do not plan to buy additional equipment, then it is better
to pay extra for encoders. They are produce results that are more
precise. Due to numerous types, you can choose the most optimal series
for your specific conditions.

On our site Eltra-encoder.eu you can find encoders of various types by

Eltra.
  ← Difference between absolute and incremental encoder.

Simple overview of two positioning types.

 How Does Linear Encoder Work? →

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