Rugged, Customizable E18 Encoder Family Offers Balance Between Cost and Performance

July 25, 2022

 This new family of encoders offers versatile configurations and provides reliable operation with the “Swiss-click” tactile feedback

Elma Electronic now offers the E18 family of price competitive, robust mechanical incremental encoders. This new range of encoders offer a high-quality alternative to customers struggling to find a drop-in, rugged encoder for harsh environments with a footprint that matches their current PCB design.

Mark Thorsell, sales manager for Elma Electronic Rotary Switch products in the Americas noted, “A well-designed user interface is key to any electronic system for efficient operation.  What good is any panel control if it begins to work intermittently and ultimately fails?  Selecting Elma’s E18 encoders ensures that customers will experience reliable operation out in the field, at a cost that makes them an obvious substitution.”  

Typical applications include home automation, two-way radios, power, heat and water distribution controls as well as industrial controllers and audio or entertainment systems.

Elma’s E18 encoders are available in a variety of configurations, including with or without a push button, and with or without a threaded bushing. There is also an option to have the shaft already mounted in the encoder body, or to have the shaft supplied separately for tape and reel packing and/or industry-standard reflow soldering processes. And the entire line of E18 encoders includes Elma’s renowned "Swiss-Click Indexing System" that optimizes encoder life and epitomizes quality turning feel.

Elma’s extra-stable, gull-wing SMT terminations or THT pins are standard, and even in smaller quantities, customer-specific customizations may be possible.  Packing in tray (THT) or tape-an-reel (SMD) offer plenty of purchasing options.

Elma’s E18 encoders feature a robust nickel-plated zinc body and rugged brass shafts standard. Front panel sealing up to IP67 is an off-the-shelf option as are stainless steel shafts.

Specific attributes include a body size of 14.4 x 11.4 x 6.5 mm, rotational life up to 150,000 revolutions, detent torque of 0.5, 1.5 or 2.5 Ncm with a resolution of 16, 24 or 30 detents and a push force of 3 or 6 N.

Pricing and delivery are dependent upon configuration.

For more information, please visit the Rotary Switches section or contact sales.