Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise, low-cost, compact, optical encoders having a multi-faceted flat-faced lens is disposed over the light emitters and light detectors thereof. Disclosed also are various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise, low-cost, compact, optical encoders having a multi-faceted flat-faced lens disposed over the light emitters and light detectors thereof. Disclosed also are various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder.

Abstract: An optical encoder and optical encoding system are disclosed. Specifically, an encoder having a light detector elevated relative to a light source is described. The relative height difference between the light source and the light detector enables the optical encoder to minimize noise at the light detector without requiring a separate light baffle between the light source and light detector. Methods of manufacturing and operating such an encoder are also described.

Abstract: An optical encoder and optical encoding system are disclosed. Specifically, an encoder having a light detector elevated relative to a light source is described. The relative height difference between the light source and the light detector enables the optical encoder to minimize noise at the light detector without requiring a separate light baffle between the light source and light detector. Methods of manufacturing and operating such an encoder are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise, low-cost, compact, optical encoders having a multi-faceted flat-faced lens disposed over the light emitters and light detectors thereof. Disclosed also are various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a code strip having a first side, a second side, a first track comprising indicia thereon, and a second track comprising indicia thereon. The code strip is moveable along a displacement path with respect to the optical encoder. A light source positioned on the first side of the code strip directs light toward the code strip. A first detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the first track of the code strip. A second detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the second track of the code strip. The second detector element is also positioned so that the second detector element is located a spaced distance along the displacement path from the first detector element.

Abstract: An optical encoder of a transmissive optical encoding system is disclosed. The optical encoder includes an emitter, a detector, and a detector lens. The emitter includes a light source and a collimating lens. The detector includes a plurality of photosensors to detect light from the emitter. The detector lens is aligned with the plurality of photosensors to direct the light toward the plurality of photosensors. Embodiments of the optical encoder provide an increased effective sensing area, increased power delivery to the detector, and increased encoder life.

Abstract: Optical encoders having one or more of a number of disclosed features are disclosed. The features of the optical encoder in accordance with the present invention include a symmetrical (for example, circular) emitter; baffle between the emitter and a detector; double-dome or single-dome encapsulant; multiple detector; and multiple (at least three) data channels.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a code strip having a first side, a second side, a first track comprising indicia thereon, and a second track comprising indicia thereon. The code strip is moveable along a displacement path with respect to the optical encoder. A light source positioned on the first side of the code strip directs light toward the code strip. A first detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the first track of the code strip. A second detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the second track of the code strip. The second detector element is also positioned so that the second detector element is located a spaced distance along the displacement path from the first detector element.