In the field of industrial automation, incremental encoders are a commonly used measuring device. Little do they know, many people are often confused 

about the types of single loop and multi loop encoders when faced with incremental encoders, and do not know how to accurately distinguish and judge 

them. Today, we will delve into this issue to help you gain a clear understanding of the single and multi turn types of incremental encoders.

1、 The basic incremental encoder is to convert displacement into periodic electrical signals, and then convert this electrical signal into counting pulses

using the number of pulses to represent the magnitude of displacement. It consists of a photoelectric encoder with a central axis, on which there are 

circular transparent and dark engraved lines. It is read by photoelectric emitting and receiving devices to obtain four sets of sine wave signals combined 

into A, B, C, and D. Each sine wave has a phase difference of 90 degrees (360 degrees relative to one cycle). The C and D signals are reversed and 

superimposed on the A and B phases to enhance stable signals; Additionally, output a Z-phase pulse for each revolution to represent the zero reference 

position.

2、 The characteristics of a single turn encoder are that it can only measure the rotation angle or displacement within one turn. Once the rotation 

exceeds one turn, the data will restart calculation. The main features include a relatively small measurement range, which is generally suitable for 

application scenarios that require precise measurement of rotation angle or displacement within one circle.

3、 Multi turn encoder features: Multi turn encoders can record rotations exceeding one turn. Multiple cycles of counting and measurement can be 

achieved through internal mechanical or electronic devices. This makes it significantly advantageous in applications that require measuring large angle 

rotations or long-term displacements.

4、 The analysis of the principle of discrimination requires distinguishing between single loop and multi loop encoders, with a focus on understanding 

their measurement principles. The number of output pulses of a single turn encoder is fixed within one turn, and it will be counted again if it exceeds one 

turn. The multi turn encoder can accumulate the number of pulses in multiple turns through a special structure or electronic counting method, thereby 

achieving a wider measurement range.

5、 Appearance difference recognition can sometimes be used to preliminarily determine single turn and multi turn encoders based on their appearance. 

Generally speaking, the volume of a multi turn encoder may be relatively large because it needs to accommodate more mechanical or electronic components 

inside to achieve multi turn measurement functionality. However, differences in appearance are not an absolutely reliable basis for judgment, and 

comprehensive judgments need to be made in conjunction with other aspects.

6、 In practical applications, the required encoder type can also be determined based on specific measurement requirements. For example, for devices that 

only require measuring rotation angles within 360 degrees, a single turn encoder is generally sufficient; For large mechanical equipment that requires 

recording multiple rotations, such as measuring the drum rotation of a crane, a multi turn encoder is needed.

In summary, accurately distinguishing between single and multi turn types of incremental encoders requires comprehensive consideration of measurement 

principles, appearance, technical parameters, and practical application requirements. I hope today's introduction can give you a clearer understanding and 

accurate judgment when facing incremental encoders.