This encoder type is normally used to monitor shaft position during power up and power down. Unlike quadrature encoders, the encoded output lets you read the shaft position without moving the encoder.

Some encoder output types are more susceptible than others. The two main output types are push-pull and open collector.

Tachometers directly report angular speed. Some are simple processors that merely digest output from an external sensor or encoder; others are integrated Tachometers directly report angular speed ...

In an effort to increase encoder compatibility with Siemens controls, Heidenhain has developed the EIB 2391S interface box.