Which encoder type provides relative position via pulse counts and requires homing on startup?

Which encoder type provides relative position via pulse counts and requires homing on startup?

• A. Incremental encoders provide relative position via pulse counts; require homing on startup
• B. Absolute encoders provide relative position via pulse counts
• C. Incremental encoders provide unique position value on power-up
• D. Absolute encoders require homing on startup

Answer: (A)

Incremental encoders measure position by counting pulses from the moment the shaft moves, giving you relative position information. Because there’s no fixed reference stored in the system, power-up leaves you with an unknown origin unless you establish one. That’s why a homing or reference move is required on startup—to set a known zero position from which all subsequent pulses are counted. Once homed, position is tracked as a count difference from that zero. Absolute encoders, by contrast, provide a unique code for the exact shaft angle, so they report the true position immediately after power-up without needing to home. So the statement that fits is the one describing incremental encoders as providing relative position via pulse counts and requiring homing on startup.

Incremental encoders measure position by counting pulses from the moment the shaft moves, giving you relative position information. Because there’s no fixed reference stored in the system, power-up leaves you with an unknown origin unless you establish one. That’s why a homing or reference move is required on startup—to set a known zero position from which all subsequent pulses are counted. Once homed, position is tracked as a count difference from that zero.

Absolute encoders, by contrast, provide a unique code for the exact shaft angle, so they report the true position immediately after power-up without needing to home.

So the statement that fits is the one describing incremental encoders as providing relative position via pulse counts and requiring homing on startup.