How to replace an encoder from the nameplate
The encoder on a servo or CNC axis is a specific OEM string, not “an incremental encoder.” Photograph the cap, the cable, and the coupling. We quote that exact rotary encoder — or the pulsecoder / resolver the motor actually uses.
Request a quoteHow to read the encoder nameplate
- 1
Shoot the cap and the side stamp
Heidenhain (EQN, ECN, ERN, EQI), Sick (SKM, DFS, AFM), and Tamagawa (TS52xx, OIH) print the type on the cover. Fanuc uses an A860 pulsecoder number. Get the whole string, including line count or bits (for example EQN 1325.049-2048).
- 2
Record PPR, output, and supply
Pulses per revolution (or bits for absolute), output (TTL, HTL, 1 Vpp, EnDat, SSI, Fanuc serial), and voltage. A 2048-line incremental unit is not a drop-in for a multi-turn absolute encoder.
- 3
Measure the mechanical interface
Shaft or hollow bore, coupling, flange, and cable exit. Photograph the connector. A correct electrical encoder with the wrong bore will not mount.
- 4
Send the pack for a quote
Nameplate photos, PPR/output if readable, motor or drive model, and quantity. We search U.S. stock for that family and confirm before you purchase.
Incremental, absolute, pulsecoder, resolver
Incremental (ERN, DFS60, Tamagawa TS5214) reports pulses; the drive loses position at power-off unless it homes. Absolute (EQN, ECN, SKM36, AFM60) keeps position. Fanuc pulse coders are Fanuc’s encoder on the A06B servo or spindle — search the A860 number, not a generic encoder.
Resolvers (Tamagawa TS2620 / TS2640) belong on hot, oily, or high-shock motors where optics fail. Do not replace a resolver with an optical encoder unless the drive is designed for it.
OEM families we quote from the nameplate
If the motor badge says Yaskawa or Mitsubishi, the encoder inside is often still Tamagawa or the motor OEM’s own unit. Send both plates.
- Heidenhain EQN / ECN / ERN / EQI rotary encoders for CNC and servo axes
- Fanuc A860 pulsecoders for lathe, mill, and robot axes
- Tamagawa TS52xx incremental and TS26xx resolvers
- Sick SKM36, DFS60, AFM60 on packaging and conveyor lines
- Yaskawa UTSIH / UTTAH / UTOPH units on Sigma motors
Encoder nameplate FAQ
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Have a part number for an encoder, motor, drive, or obsolete board? Contact us for a sourcing quote.