HEIDENHAIN ERN incremental rotary encoders (ERN 100 / 400 / 1000 / 1300)

Key specifications

Summarised in our own words from DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2

Notes on this data

Only ERN 1000 page read (approx. 35 mm housing, blind hollow shaft). Line counts and speeds not published on that page.

Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH. HEIDENHAIN and ERN incremental rotary encoders (ERN 100 / 400 / 1000 / 1300) are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

Typical applications

Engineer support

Speak to our engineers about your project

Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the HEIDENHAIN ERN incremental rotary encoders (ERN 100 / 400 / 1000 / 1300) itself, help sourcing it, or a modified or custom design built around your load, speed and space, tell us what the machine has to do and we'll come back with the right option.

• Help sourcing ERN incremental rotary encoders (ERN 100 / 400 / 1000 / 1300) and spares for installed machines
• Modified and custom designs when a catalogue part doesn't fit
• Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together

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What an optical incremental encoder is

An optical incremental encoder measures motion by shining light through or reflecting it from a disc or scale with fine graduations onto photodetectors. As the disc or scale moves, the encoder outputs two square-wave or sine-wave channels in quadrature, called A and B, plus an index pulse once per revolution or at reference marks. The counter in the drive or controller tracks position by counting edges from a home point. Optical encoders achieve very high resolution and accuracy.

When engineers choose an optical incremental encoder

Choose an optical incremental encoder for precise speed and position feedback where homing at power-up is acceptable, such as servo motors, stages and machine tools. They are widely compatible and cost effective. The trade-offs are contamination and power loss: dust, oil and condensation can obscure the optical path, and position is lost when power is removed. For harsh environments, magnetic or inductive encoders may suit better.

How to specify the HEIDENHAIN ERN incremental rotary encoders (ERN 100 / 400 / 1000 / 1300)

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right ERN incremental rotary encoders (ERN 100 / 400 / 1000 / 1300) variant or an equivalent:

• Resolution (lines per revolution or µm)
• Output type: TTL, HTL or sin/cos
• Index or reference marks
• Shaft or hollow shaft size (mm)
• Maximum speed (rpm or m/s)
• Supply voltage (V)
• Environment and IP code

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing resolution above what the drive input can count
• Running long cables with TTL signals without line drivers
• Ignoring contamination in open optical designs
• Forgetting homing routines after power-up

HEIDENHAIN ERN incremental rotary encoders (ERN 100 / 400 / 1000 / 1300): frequently asked questions

Further reading: Absolute vs incremental encoders · How to select an encoder · Encoders and feedback

Other optical incremental encoder series