A magnetic resolver is a type of rotary position sensor that uses electromagnetic principles to measure angular displacement and speed with high precision and durability.
🧲 What Is a Magnetic Resolver?
A magnetic resolver is an analog rotary transformer that converts angular position into electrical signals. It consists of:
Stator windings: Excitation and reference coils
Rotor: Typically machined metal, rotates within the stator
Electromagnetic coupling: Induces voltages proportional to sine and cosine of the rotor angle
Unlike digital encoders, resolvers offer continuous analog output, enabling infinite theoretical resolution and robust noise immunity.
⚙️ Key Features
Unlimited resolution: No quantization error
High reliability: No contact parts, long operational life
Noise immunity: Excellent performance in electrically noisy environments
Wide temperature range: Suitable for harsh industrial and aerospace conditions
Analog output: Sine and cosine signals for precise angle calculation
🏭 Common Applications
Sector
Use Case
Aerospace
Flight control systems, gimbal positioning
Robotics
Joint angle feedback, precision motion control
Industrial
Servo motors, CNC machines
Automotive
Electric power steering, hybrid drives
Medical
Radiation therapy equipment, imaging systems
Resolvers are especially valued in safety-critical and high-vibration environments where digital encoders may fail.
