Inspiring the Evolution of Embedded Design

March 11, 2025


Precision in Motion

Sfera Labs Expands Strato Pi Max Capabilities with New Industrial I/O Expansion Boards

The Strato Pi Max is not just a robust, DIN-rail-mounted industrial edge server—it's a modular powerhouse designed for demanding environments.


Now, with the introduction of two new expansion boards, the versatility and functionality of Strato Pi Max reach new heights. These boards seamlessly integrate with the Strato Pi Max, broadening its capabilities and enabling users to tailor the system precisely to their control application needs. This compact and powerful industrial controller offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to adapt and expand its functionality as your projects evolve.

Read More

Same Sky Adds New Hollow Shaft Ring Encoder Models

The RING family of hollow shaft mechanical encoders is housed in packages from 23 mm up to 56.5 mm with low profile designs from 9.5 mm up to 20 mm. Offering hollow shaft diameters from 9 mm up to 38.5 mm and shaft lengths from 5 mm up to 15.5 mm, these ring encoders are ideal for a range of applications, including industrial and commercial equipment, home appliances, and more.



These hollow shaft ring encoders feature 5 Vdc input voltages, 1 to 10 mA current consumption, single-ended quadrature outputs, and resolutions from 10 to 20 PPR. The models further carry operating temperature ranges from -30 to 80°C, haptic detent feedback, and rotational life cycle ratings of 30,000.

Read More

STMicroelectronics’ New Integrated STM32WBA6 Wireless Microcontrollers Combine Extra Features and Performance with Power Efficiency

The STM32WBA6 MCUs also embed SESIP3 and PSA Level3 certifiable security assets, such as cryptographic accelerators, TrustZone® isolation, random generator, and product lifecycle that will contribute and enable ST customers to reach compliancy towards the upcoming RED and CRA regulations.



The new STM32WBA6 series is used in connected, smart devices like wearable healthcare and wellness monitors, animal collars, electronic locks, remote weather sensors, and more. Packing extra memory and digital system interfaces, while preserving energy efficiency the new MCUs can handle richer functionality in emerging new product designs.

Read More

Did you know you can read full articles for FREE?

That's right - our free Starter Membership gives you access to 3 free articles a month.


Try this one:

A DIY PCR Cycling Unit Using ESP32, H-Bridge motor controller, and an LCD panel

Read Now

Editor's Desk by Kirsten Campbell



Encoders Evolved

As industries demand higher accuracy, greater efficiency, and increased intelligence, encoders are evolving beyond simple position and speed measurement to become smarter, more connected, and more predictive. The integration of AI, edge computing, and advanced sensing technologies is transforming motion control, enabling systems that are not only more precise but also more adaptive and resilient.


Smarter Encoders, More Intelligent Motion Systems

Traditional encoders have primarily served as feedback devices, sending pulse or position data to a controller. The next generation of encoders, however, is moving toward real-time diagnostics, predictive capabilities, and autonomous optimization.

Self-Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance

Future encoders will do more than report position—they will assess their own condition. By integrating temperature, vibration, and contamination sensors, encoders will be able to detect early signs of wear, misalignment, or electrical degradation. This data can be fed into predictive maintenance algorithms, reducing unplanned downtime and improving overall system reliability.


AI-Enhanced Motion Optimization

As AI and machine learning become more prevalent in industrial automation, encoders will play a critical role in real-time system optimization. Instead of simply relaying position data, encoders will analyze motion trends, predict inefficiencies, and adjust motor behavior dynamically. This will be especially beneficial in applications such as high-precision robotics, CNC machining, and automated manufacturing lines, where even minor inefficiencies can impact performance and cost.


Multi-Sensor Fusion: The Next Frontier of Motion Control

Encoders are becoming part of multi-sensor fusion systems, working alongside IMUs (inertial measurement units), LiDAR, and vision-based sensors to provide more robust and adaptive motion feedback.


Enhanced Navigation for Robotics

Autonomous robots and industrial AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) require more than just rotary feedback. By combining encoder data with AI-driven vision systems, motion control systems will gain better spatial awareness, precision, and adaptability to dynamic environments.


Hybrid Feedback Systems for Harsh Environments

Industrial environments can be harsh—dust, moisture, and electrical noise can degrade traditional encoder performance. Future designs will blend optical, magnetic, and capacitive encoding technologies to ensure greater resilience and long-term reliability, even in challenging conditions like offshore drilling platforms, mining operations, and high-speed automation.


The Encoder as a Smart Motion Controller

Encoders are evolving into intelligent motion controllers, capable of real-time diagnostics, predictive analytics, and adaptive control. With the integration of AI, edge computing, and wireless connectivity, the future of motion control is moving toward greater precision, efficiency, and resilience.


For engineers designing next-generation automation systems, the advancements in encoder technology present new opportunities to improve reliability, optimize efficiency, and reduce operational costs. As motion control systems become more sophisticated, encoders will play a pivotal role in shaping the next industrial revolution. 🔧🤖


What would you like to see, more editorial or less, more of a particular topic, or less? Let us know. Reach out to the Product Editor

Latest News

Radxa CM3J with Built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for Industrial Applications

The Radxa CM3J is an industrial-grade compute module built around the Rockchip RK3568J SoC. This compact module integrates a CPU, PMU, LPDDR4X, eMMC, and wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 in a 55mm x 40mm form factor.

Read More
Upcoming Events:

Embedded World 2025

March 11-13, 2025

Nurnberg,Germany

XPONENTIAL 2025

May 19-22, 2025

Houston, TX

Current Issue

March 2025 - Issue #416

Industrial Automation



Inside this Issue


Digital Subscriber Login


Subscribe


GET PUBLISHED!

Circuit Cellar publishes articles by talented authors on electrical engineering-related topics.

More Info

Advertise with Circuit Cellar

We can get your message out to the professional engineering community. 

Contact Hugh Heinsohn today at Hugh@circuitcellar.com!

Circuit Cellar |circuitcellar.com