Encoders, Decoders, Converters
1. What are Encoders?
1) Function: Compress multiple input signals (such as physical displacement, and switch status) into a smaller number of binary output codes to achieve efficient information representation.
2) Typical Types and Principles:
Digital Encoder: Such as priority encoder (8-3 encoder), convert valid signals in multiple inputs (such as keys) into binary codes, and support interrupt request processing.
Displacement Sensor:
Incremental: Converts rotational or linear displacement into a periodic pulse sequence (A/B phase) through photoelectric/magnetoelectric principles to calculate the displacement.
Absolute: Directly outputs a unique position code (such as Gray code), without the need for a reference zero point, suitable for high-precision positioning (such as semiconductor equipment).
3) Application Scenarios: Keyboard scanning, motor position feedback, industrial robot motion control.
2. What are Decoders?
1) Function: “Translate” binary input codes into specific output signals to achieve information expansion or device driving.
2) Core Type:
Binary Decoder: Such as 3-8 decoder, input n-bit binary code, activate one of 2ⁿ output lines (single line valid), used for address decoding or instruction parsing.
Display Decoder: Convert BCD code to seven-segment digital tube signal, drive LED/LCD to display numbers (such as calculator, instrument panel).
3) Key Features: Some decoders have enabled the terminal (EN) to control decoding start and stop.
4) Application Scenarios: Memory address selection, digital display terminal, control system signal distribution.
3. What are Converters?
1) Function: Realize conversion between different signal forms or protocols
2) Main Types:
Level Converter: Compatible with different logic levels (such as TTL and CMOS).
Data Format Converter: Such as parallel-to-serial/serial-to-parallel converter (UART interface).
Analog-to-digital/Digital-to-analog Converter (ADC/DAC): connects analog and digital domains (such as sensor signal digitization)
4. Interface Characteristics and Industry Applications
Signal Compatibility: output supports push-pull, open collector, long-line drive, and other formats, and is compatible with various controllers.
Core Indicators: resolution (number of pulses/turn), accuracy, anti-interference ability (such as the vacuum environment resistance of magnetoelectric encoders).
System Integration:
Encoder + decoder builds a two-way communication link (such as the Encoder-Decoder structure in the NLP model).
The converter solves the problem of heterogeneous signal interconnection and improves system compatibility.
Typical Scenarios:
Industrial automation (servo motor control, CNC machine tools).
Consumer electronics (remote controls, display devices).
High-precision equipment (wafer processing, medical instruments).
5. Summary
The encoder compresses information, the decoder expands instructions, and the converter solves protocol differences. The three work together to meet the full chain requirements of complex electronic systems for signal processing.