How many positions does a 12-bit encoder have?
A 12-bit single-turn encoder provides 4,096 digital positions across one revolution, before considering accuracy and mechanical transmission.
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Encoder selection guide
Encoder resolution: bits, PPR and CPR
Compare absolute bits, incremental PPR and controller CPR without confusing resolution with system accuracy.
DIRECT ANSWER
Absolute encoder resolution is commonly expressed in bits per revolution, giving 2ⁿ distinct positions. Incremental resolution is commonly described as pulses per revolution, while controller counts can change with edge-decoding mode. Resolution is the smallest digital step; it does not by itself determine total system accuracy, repeatability or mechanical precision.
✓ 12 bit equals 4,096 positions per revolution✓ 17 bit equals 131,072 positions per revolution✓ Quadrature decoding can multiply incremental counts✓ Mechanical error can exceed the digital step size
SELECTION TABLE
Resolution terminology
Use this table as an initial engineering checklist. Final model configuration must be confirmed against the controller, mechanical drawing and operating environment.
TermMeaning and caution
Absolute bitsn bits provide 2ⁿ unique digital positions within the specified range
PPROften pulse cycles per revolution; confirm the supplier definition
CPRCan mean cycles or controller counts per revolution depending on documentation
AccuracyMaximum deviation from true position; not interchangeable with resolution
ENGINEERING PROCESS
How to select the right configuration
- 01
Convert the required machine movement into encoder-shaft movement.
- 02
Choose a digital step smaller than the required control resolution with suitable margin.
- 03
Check controller decoding, bandwidth and maximum pulse frequency.
- 04
Include gearing, backlash, coupling, alignment and sensor accuracy in the error budget.
RELEVANT PRODUCTS
Technical product pages
RS485 Modbus RTU Absolute Rotary Encoder
Single-turn or battery-free mechanical multi-turn absolute position feedback with power-off memory and programmable Modbus RTU parameters.
View parameters and drawings →
Industrial Incremental Rotary Encoder
Configurable pulse feedback for speed, direction, counting and relative position measurement.
View parameters and drawings →
Servo Motor Spindle Absolute Encoder
High-precision optical-grating absolute feedback for servo motors, CNC spindles and precision drive systems.
View parameters and drawings →COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Is a 17-bit encoder more accurate than a 12-bit encoder?
It has finer digital resolution, but the accuracy specification and total mechanical system determine whether measured position is actually closer to the true value.
Why does my PLC show four times the encoder PPR?
A quadrature counter can count rising and falling edges on both A and B, producing four counts per full A/B cycle.
RELATED GUIDANCE
Continue your selection
EDITORIAL SCOPE
How this guidance is prepared
FOSAI consolidates available supplier technical material into a buyer-oriented selection guide. Parameters, certifications and compatibility are not generalized across every model; the final suffix, controlled drawing and project conditions must be confirmed before ordering.
MODEL SELECTION SUPPORT
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