The Digital Rotary Encoder Switch is a precision electromechanical control component designed for applications requiring reliable rotary input, signal switching, and accurate position detection. With a 360° rotational structure, 20 detents, dual A/B signal output, and multiple resolution options, this Rotary Encoder provides stable and responsive control for electronic and industrial equipment.
Designed for flexible integration, the encoder can be used in applications such as a dual rotary encoder, dual rotary encoder with push button, rotary switch with push button, digital rotary switch, double rotary encoder, and dual axis rotary encoder. Its compact construction and durable contact system make it suitable for control panels, automation equipment, consumer electronics, and other high-use applications.
| Category | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Characteristics | Total Rotational Angle | 360° |
| Click Torque | 30–120 gf·cm | |
| Shaft Push-Pull Strength | Pull: 8.0 kgf / Push: 8.0 kgf Min. at 10 sec | |
| Shaft Wobble | 0.7 × L / 30mm P-P Max. | |
| Number of Detents | 20 Detents | |
| Step Angle | 18° ± 2° | |
| Shaft Axial Play | 0.4mm Max. | |
| Shaft Rotational Play | 5° Max. | |
| Electrical Characteristics | Rated Voltage | DC 5V |
| A/B Lead Current | 5mA Max. | |
| C Lead Current | 10mA Max. | |
| Output Signal | A/B Dual Signals | |
| Resolution | 10 Pulses/360° or 20 Pulses/360° | |
| Terminal Contact Resistance | 1Ω Max. | |
| Phase Difference | T1, T2, T3, T4 ≥ 0.08T | |
| Sliding Noise | T1, T3 ≤ 3ms; T2 ≤ 2ms | |
| Endurance & Environment | Insulation Resistance | 100MΩ Min. at DC 250V |
| Dielectric Strength | AC 300V for 1 Minute | |
| Operating Life | 30,000 ± 200 Cycles | |
| Operating Temperature | -30℃ to +80℃ | |
| Storage Temperature | -40℃ to +85℃ | |
| Soldering | Dip Soldering: 260℃ ± 5℃ / ≤3s Hand Soldering: 300℃ ± 5℃ / ≤3s |
The encoder supports 360-degree rotation, allowing users to continuously adjust parameters through rotary movement. This makes it suitable for electronic interfaces where users need intuitive and repeated adjustment.
The encoder provides 20 detents with an 18° ± 2° step angle. Each positioning point provides tactile feedback, helping users identify the current adjustment position during operation.
The encoder generates A/B dual output signals for detecting rotary direction and movement. The two-phase signal structure allows the connected control system to determine both the direction and relative position of rotation.
Two resolution configurations are available: 10 pulses per 360° and 20 pulses per 360°. This allows manufacturers to select the appropriate resolution based on the required control sensitivity.
Precision mechanical construction provides stable rotary operation and reliable electrical contact. With a specified operating life of 30,000 ± 200 cycles, the encoder can support repeated use in consumer, commercial, and industrial equipment.
The encoder operates at DC 5V and provides low terminal contact resistance of up to 1Ω. Its insulation resistance is specified at a minimum of 100MΩ at DC 250V, supporting reliable electrical performance in appropriate applications.
A rotary encoder converts mechanical rotation into electrical signals. When the shaft is rotated, the internal contact structure changes between different electrical states and generates a sequence of output signals.
This encoder uses two output signals, commonly referred to as A and B channels. The phase relationship between the two signals allows the connected electronic circuit or microcontroller to determine the direction of rotation.
For example, rotating the knob clockwise can generate a specific A/B signal sequence, while counterclockwise rotation produces the opposite sequence. The control system can then use this information to increase or decrease a selected parameter.
A conventional rotary switch generally selects between predetermined electrical contacts, while a rotary encoder converts rotary movement into electronic signals that can be processed by a control system.
A digital rotary switch or encoder can therefore provide greater flexibility when used with microcontrollers and digital control systems. Instead of requiring a separate electrical contact for every possible setting, the control software can interpret the encoder's pulse signals and determine the required action.
This makes rotary encoders particularly useful for modern electronic equipment with digital interfaces.
For applications requiring both rotary adjustment and button selection, a rotary encoder with push button can combine two user-input functions into one control component.
The rotary function can be used for parameter adjustment or menu navigation, while the push function can be used to confirm a selection or activate a specific operation. This combination can reduce the number of separate controls required on a control panel.
Depending on the equipment design, this type of interface can be used for audio controls, industrial equipment, smart devices, instrumentation, and other electronic products.
A dual rotary encoder or dual axis rotary encoder can provide multiple rotary control functions within a compact interface. Such configurations are useful when equipment designers need to control two independent parameters while maintaining a space-efficient front panel.
Applications may include professional audio equipment, instrumentation, industrial control panels, electronic devices, and other systems where multiple parameters need to be adjusted independently.
Rotary encoders can be integrated into industrial control panels, machinery interfaces, automation equipment, and robotic systems for parameter adjustment and user input.
In medical and laboratory equipment, rotary controls can be used for selecting parameters, adjusting settings, navigating menus, and controlling instrument functions.
The compact rotary encoder design is suitable for smart home devices that require physical controls alongside digital interfaces. Users can rotate the control to select settings and use additional switching functions when required.
Rotary encoders are widely suitable for audio interfaces, mixers, amplifiers, controllers, and other equipment requiring precise parameter adjustment such as volume, gain, balance, or menu selection.
The encoder can be integrated into HMI panels and equipment interfaces where operators need convenient physical controls for adjusting machine parameters.
Digital rotary encoders can provide a physical interface for connected devices and IoT products. Their digital output makes them suitable for integration with microcontrollers and electronic control systems.
Space Efficiency: Multiple control functions can be integrated into a compact interface.
Digital Signal Processing: A/B output signals can be directly interpreted by compatible electronic control systems.
Precise Adjustment: Multiple detents and pulse configurations provide controlled rotary input.
Easy User Operation: Tactile clicks provide clear feedback during adjustment.
Long Operating Life: Designed for approximately 30,000 ± 200 operating cycles.
Flexible Integration: Suitable for consumer electronics, industrial equipment, medical instruments, and automation systems.
Before selecting a rotary encoder for an electronic product, manufacturers should evaluate the electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements of the application.
Resolution: Determine whether 10 pulses/360° or 20 pulses/360° is more suitable.
Number of Detents: Confirm the required tactile positioning points.
Operating Torque: Select a suitable torque according to the desired user experience.
Output Signals: Verify that the A/B output configuration is compatible with the control circuit.
Operating Life: Compare the rated cycle life with the expected product usage.
Temperature Range: Make sure the encoder can operate within the environmental conditions of the equipment.
Installation: Confirm shaft dimensions, mounting structure, and available panel space.
A digital rotary encoder is an electromechanical input device that converts rotary movement into digital electrical signals. The signals can be processed by electronic control systems to determine rotary direction and movement.
A rotary switch generally selects between predetermined electrical contacts, while a rotary encoder generates electrical signals corresponding to rotary movement. Encoders are therefore commonly integrated with digital control systems and microcontrollers.
Yes. The encoder supports 360° rotational operation.
The encoder has 20 detents, with a step angle of approximately 18° ± 2°.
The available resolutions are 10 pulses/360° and 20 pulses/360°.
The specified operating temperature range is -30℃ to +80℃, while the storage temperature range is -40℃ to +85℃.
The specified operating life is 30,000 ± 200 cycles.
Q: What is a switch encoder?
A: A switch encoder converts rotary motion into digital signals, often used for menu navigation or parameter adjustment in devices.
Q: How does an optical encoder differ from mechanical?
A: Optical encoders use light interruption for contactless operation, while mechanical types rely on physical contacts, affecting longevity and precision.
Q: Why do encoders have detents?
A: Detents provide tactile feedback, ensuring precise control by locking into positions, improving user experience in applications like volume knobs.
Q: Can encoders replace buttons?
A: Yes! Encoders combine rotation and push-button functions, saving panel space and enabling intuitive multifunction control in modern interfaces.
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