How fast can KOP encoders count?

[gpetilli]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

The encoder itself should have an rpm rating, but that's usually more of a mechanical issue then electrical.

The true limit on encoder counts is the cRIO.

I don't know the official upper limit, but Austin Schuh on 254/971 has quoted me that a 64 count encoder on a CIM 1:1 (5300 rpm) works. This is ~5600 counts/second.

For velocity control at such speeds, you really don't need that many ticks per second.

A single "tick" encoder could be made with various forms of light sensors, hall effect sensors, etc...

The E4P-360 encoder is good for 10,000 RPM. I agree you dont need that many pulses for speed control, but mechanically it is the simplest to use since we are using the CIMple gearbox. We intend to hook the encoder to a Jaguar for speed control (dont know the limit but we will find out if it works).

You could use a simple LED/Photodiode pair with the spokes of the wheel to break the beam. Should be very reliable and assuming 6 spokes, gives you 6 pulses/rev.