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shaft encoder

shaft encoder

8.0
A device that measures how a shaft turns and sends that information as a signal
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : codificador de eje
  • During the calibration process, the technician adjusted the settings on the shaft encoder to ensure accurate readings.

Examples

  • Extreme-duty optical shaft encoders have been designed with aluminum housings up to 3/8 in.

    Academic text (1996)
  • In the case of the Micro Mouse, the robot receives input signals from wheel shaft encoders and uses dead reckoning, similar to Denning's UTV.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The engineer installed a new shaft encoder to enhance the precision of the machine's movements.

  • The robotics lab uses shaft encoders to accurately measure the position of the robot's wheels.

Synonyms

encoder
vsshaft encoder
  • Specialized
3 5.7

A program that changes data into a different, smaller form for storage or sending

focuses on physical rotation and positional output rather than general data
rotary encoder
vsshaft encoder
  • Specialized
6.1

A device that tells how far a rotating shaft has turned by sending a code

is specific to rotating mechanical parts rather than general coded data
absolute encoder
vsshaft encoder
  • Specialized
8.3

A device that always shows the exact position of a rotating part even after a power outage

does not retain position when power fails

How Accurate

absolute encoder
  • Specialized
8.3
shaft encoder
  • Specialized
8.0
tachometer
  • Specialized
1 7.6
sensor
898 3.4
potentiometer
  • Specialized
1 9.6

Surface Forms

shaft encoder singular

Morphology

shaft + encoder

The compound is a straightforward noun+noun naming pattern: an 'encoder' for a 'shaft' (i.e., a device that encodes the shaft's position or motion). Although technical, the meaning is compositionally predictable from the constituents, so a B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer its function.

Etymology

Shaft encoder comes from the simple picture of a small device fixed to a turning shaft that changes each turn into a signal or code. So it means 'a device that measures how the shaft turns and sends that information to a machine'.