Encoders are divided into absolute and incremental, which defines how they work and determine their position. Increasingly, these are digital devices with programmable memory and internal signal analysis systems that convert analog signals to digital. The most popular signal interfaces are Vss (Vpp), EnDat, SSI, Hiperface, TTL and HTL. The leading manufacturers of encoders are: Heidenhain, SICK, Fanuc, Baumer and Hengstler. Heidenhain encoders are commonly found in Siemens and Bosch Rexroth motors, as are SICK encoders, while Asian manufacturers rely on Fanuc and Tamagawa solutions.
