Patent ID: 7439734
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. A rotary encoder, comprising: a first group of components and a second group of components, the groups of components rotatable relative to each other about an axis, the first group of components including a pulse wire, at least one detector, and an electronic circuit configuration having a logic circuit and a non-volatile memory, the second group of components including a magnet and at least one code element; wherein the pulse wire is configured to generate a voltage pulse in response to an approach of the magnet to the pulse wire; wherein the detector is configured to generate a signal depending on a relative position of the code element with respect to the detector; wherein the logic circuit is configured to ascertain position information based on the signal; wherein the non-volatile memory is configured to store the position information; wherein the first group of components is configured such that, triggered by an occurrence of the voltage pulse, a voltage from a voltage source is applied to the circuit configuration, and the circuit configuration is disconnectable from the voltage source at the latest after storage of the position information in the non-volatile memory.