A Basic Guide: How Feedback Encoder Devices Operate

Feedback is used in closed loop systems in applications all over the world to control speed and/or position, and it has an important role in keeping equipment operating smoothly and accurately. Feedback is available in a variety of devices as well as models. It is important to understand how feedback operates, so the best benefits can be used in the application.

Open loop v/s Closed loop
Many applications operate open loop and many operate closed loop. In an open loop system, the operation can become uncontrolled; in a closed loop system the process is controlled. The difference is feedback.

An open loop system is a process in which the signal travels from the control to the motor. An example of an open loop system is as follows: a motor is used in a bin sorting application, and everything proceeds as expected as long as the motor can pick and place parts in the proper bin. However if for some reason the mechanism jams and the motor can’t move, the control is not aware of the situation and will continue sending commands that are essentially ignored, so the parts do not get sorted.