Optical incremental encoder
maxon ENX
Motor-mounted encoder family spanning optical, magnetic and inductive principles, from simple incremental units to absolute single- and multi-turn versions.
Key specifications
| Outer diameter | 4–42 mm |
|---|---|
| Resolution (max) | 17 bit |
| Interface | incremental A/B/I (TTL / RS422), SSI, BiSS-C |
| Ppr max | 65,536 |
Summarised in our own words from maxon group (maxon motor ag)'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 · Source 4 · Source 5
Notes on this data
ENX 16 RIO up to 65,536 CPT incremental (40,000 rpm, reduced above 4,096 CPT); ENX 22 EMT 17-bit single-turn + 16-bit multi-turn, BiSS-C/SSI; ENX 16 EASY Absolute 12-bit; ENX 32 MILE 2,048 CPT. Sizes from ENX 4 MAG to ENX 42 MILE per TOC. Mixed technologies; type set to optical-incremental as the dominant variant. ppr_max is an added key (counts per turn).
Specify Motion is not affiliated with maxon group (maxon motor ag). maxon and ENX are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a maxon part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 3 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
Harsh-environment hollow-shaft Electric Encoder with higher shock/vibration tolerance; tested to MIL-STD-810.
| Published maximum | ENX | VLP |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 17 bit | 23 bit meets or exceeds |
Ultra-thin single-turn hollow-shaft capacitive encoder for general robotics and automation, with push-button calibration.
| Published maximum | ENX | VLX |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 17 bit | 23 bit meets or exceeds |
Extreme-temperature hollow-shaft encoder rated from -55 C to +125 C for aerospace.
| Published maximum | ENX | VLT |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 17 bit | 23 bit meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Other optical incremental encoder series
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of ENX
Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the maxon ENX: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.