Optical encoder readhead chip

Optical encoders are pervasive in almost all sectors of industry including metrology, motion systems, electronics, medical, scanning/ printing, scientific instruments, space applications and specialist machine tools. The precision of automated manufacture and assembly has been revolutionised by the adoption of optical diffractive measurement methods. Today’s optical encoders comprise discrete components: light source(s), reference and analyser gratings, and a photodiode array to utilise diffractive optic methods to achieve high resolution. However the critical alignment requirements between the optical gratings and the photodiode array, the bulky nature of the encoder devices and subsequent packaging mean that optical encoders can be prohibitively expensive for many applications and unsuitable for others.