Description

The VESC Sin/Cos Encoder is a rotary position sensor designed for seamless integration with VESC motor controllers. It provides two continuous analog output signals—sine and cosine waveforms—that vary proportionally with the motor shaft’s rotation. Using these signals, the VESC calculates absolute rotor position. Using VESC Tool, the encoder can easily be configured using the example calibration script. The encoder PCB features mounting holes for M3 bolts and supports mounting for motors such as the SIA155 and QS165 amongst others. The outer ring can be cut off for mounting in more space-constrained applications. The Sin and Cos outputs are buffered and centered around half the input voltage.

Compared to incremental and SPI encoders, our Sin/Cos encoder only needs 4 wires – Sin, Cos, GND and VCC (3V – 5V). The signals are less sensitive to noise and long cables compared to most other encoders and it is easy to detect errors on them. There is also no need to wait for an index-pulse, an absolute position is available right from the start. In the VESC firmware the signals are sampled together with the currents and it takes very little computation to convert them into an angle, meaning that it works well for the entire speed range. This makes our Sin/Cos encoder ideal for IPM motors where tuning the observer can be tricky to get right due to the high inductance, saliency and sensitivity to saturation.

Our Maxim and Pronto-controllers have excellent support for Sin/Cos encoders.

The Sin/Cos Encoder is best supported with VESC Tool 7.00 or later.
Use the latest version of VESC Tool when connecting and configuring the encoder.

• Electric vehicles with IPM-motors
• Servo motors

Included with this product:
1x VESC Sin/Cos Encoder
1x Diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnet for motor shaft, 6mm diameter and 3mm height