1. Working principle:

• Incremental encoderDependent on counting pulses to determine position changes. It outputs a series of pulses (usually square waves) and determines the rotational position of the shaft by counting these pulses. Incremental encoders require a reference point (such as a zero mark) to determine their absolute position after each power cycle.
• absolute encoderEach position has a code, so even after a power outage, the last position can be remembered. It outputs a digital signal directly corresponding to a specific location, usually a binary code or Gray code.

2. Data output:

• Incremental encoderThe output is relative position information, which requires continuous counting pulses to track position changes. It does not store location information, so every time the system loses power, a new reference point needs to be established.
• absolute encoderThe output is absolute position information, with a code for each position. This means that even after a power outage, the encoder can remember the last position without the need to re-establish a reference point.

3. Application scenarios:

• Incremental encoderSuitable for applications that require continuous speed and position feedback, such as speed control and relative position tracking. They usually have lower costs, but they may lose location information after the system loses power.
• absolute encoderSuitable for applications that require precise position control and the ability to remember position after power failure, such as automated assembly lines, robotic arms, and precision machine tools. They offer higher flexibility and accuracy, but at a relatively higher cost.

4. System complexity and cost:

• Incremental encoderThe system is relatively simple and cost-effective, but additional logic circuits may be required to handle pulse counting and direction detection.
• absolute encoderThe system is more complex and costly because they require a decoder to process the absolute position information output.

5. Anti interference capability:

• Incremental encoderDue to the output being an analog signal, it may be more susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
• absolute encoderThe output is a digital signal, which usually has better anti-interference ability.

In summary, the choice between incremental or absolute encoders depends on specific application requirements, cost budget, and system complexity. Incremental encoders are suitable for cost sensitive applications that do not require power-off memory, while absolute encoders are suitable for applications that require precise position control and power-off memory.