EAO, a Human Machine Interface (HMI) specialist, has introduced an optical rotary switch; claiming that it outperforms mechanical encoders.
The 62AG optical encoder uses ‘Light pipe’ technology, 100% hard-tooled parts and 50% fewer solder joints to deliver an improvement in reliability, while remaining price-competitive at high volumes. Reliability is further improved by an integral consolidation of PCB boards to a single level.
The optical encoder generates a two-bit digital output to measure the magnitude and direction of the shaft or knob rotation. With an optional integrated push button featured as well, this product is an ideal device for scrolling items from a list and selecting the desired function.
The 62AG provides greater than one million, trouble-free rotational cycles, thus allowing superior durability over corresponding mechanical encoders.
It is available in either 16- or 32-detent versions, both terminated with a four-inch cable/connector assembly.
The main advantage of optical encoders to mechanical versions is that the optical encoder is free of contact bounce associated with mechanical switching.