What Does "Domestic Encoder Replacement" Mean? Current Status, Feasibility, and Selection Approach

In the field of industrial automation, “Domestic Encoder Replacement”Typically refers to replacing imported encoders with domestic encoder products without altering the core system architecture, achieving functional equivalence or comparable performance while enhancing supply chain controllability and cost flexibility.

As the domestic automation industry chain gradually matures,Domestic Encoder ReplacementIt has moved beyond the initial experimental phase and enteredEngineering Validation and Mass Production PhaseThe

I. Why has the demand for “replacing imported encoders with domestic ones” emerged?

In actual engineering projects, the primary drivers for promoting domestic encoder substitution are concentrated in the following areas:

1. Supply Chain Stability Requirements

Imported encoders present uncertainties in delivery times, supply channels, and spare parts availability. For long-term operational equipment, domestic alternatives offer greater assurance of continuous supply.

2. Cost and Project Budget Control

When functional requirements are clearly defined and performance metrics are well-specified, domestically produced encoders offer greater flexibility in overall project cost control.

3. Domestication Projects and Industry Trends

In sectors such as energy, equipment manufacturing, and process industries, an increasing number of projects are specifying requirements for “localization rates” or “domestic alternatives.”

4. Localized Technical Support

Domestic encoders better align with local engineering requirements in terms of model selection, debugging, customization, and after-sales response speed.

II. Which types of imported encoders can be replaced by domestic encoders?

Currently, the replacement of domestic encoders is primarily concentrated in the following major categories:

Incremental Encoder Replacement

• A/B/Z Pulse Output
• Push-pull / NPN / PNP
• Suitable for motor feedback, speed detection, and basic position control

Absolute Encoder Replacement

• Single-turn / Multi-turn
• SSI, RS485, CANopen, and other interfaces
• Suitable for applications requiring high positioning accuracy

Replacement for Wire-Draw Encoder

• Displacement measurement
• Route Inspection
• Construction machinery, automated production lines, lifting systems

Explosion-proof encoder replacement

• Petrochemical, coal mining, hazardous areas
• Applications with high requirements for protection and safety

In these scenarios, domestically produced encoders have gradually achievedParameter-level, interface-level, application-level substitutionThe

III. Key Prerequisites for Domestic Encoder Replacement

Not all projects are suitable for direct replacement. Successful domestic encoder replacements typically require meeting the following conditions:

1. Interface and protocol consistency

Domestic encoders must be compatible with the original system in terms of electrical interfaces, communication protocols, and output logic, such as:

• SSI
• RS485
• CANopen
• Profibus / Profinet
• 4–20mA / Parallel IO

2. Mechanical Installation Dimensions Matching

Including shaft diameter, flange, mounting method, shaft load capacity, etc., to avoid major modifications to the equipment structure.

3. Accuracy and resolution meet system requirements.

The premise of substitution is not “complete equivalence,” but ratherMeet process and control precision requirementsThe

4. Engineering Validation and Field Testing

Mature domestic alternatives typically undergo prototype testing, field trial runs, and long-term stability verification.

IV. Common Application Scenarios for Domestic Encoder Substitutions

Domestic encoder replacements have been progressively implemented across multiple industrial scenarios, such as:

• Automated Production Line Equipment Retrofit
• Domestic Upgrading of Electric Motors and Transmission Systems
• Construction Machinery and Heavy Equipment
• Process Industry Position Feedback System
• Projects involving discontinued or excessively long lead time for original imported encoders

In these scenarios, “equivalent substitution” aligns more closely with engineering practice than “perfect parameter matching.”

V. Selection Approach for Domestic Encoder Substitutes

When replacing imported encoders with domestic alternatives, engineers typically follow this approach:

1. Identify the key parameters of the original model
   • Resolution
   • Output Method
   • Power Supply and Interfaces
   • Installation Structure
2. Identify non-negotiable parameters
   • Agreement Type
   • Accuracy Class
   • Protection/Explosion-proof Requirements
3. Permit reasonable parameter adjustments
   • Minor adjustments to external dimensions
   • Cable length
   • Additional Features
4. Verified through prototype and system testing
   • Static Testing
   • Dynamic operation
   • Long-term stability

VI. Development Trends in Domestic Encoder Substitution

From an industry perspective, the replacement of domestic encoders shows the following trends:

The protocol supports more comprehensive features.

Evolving from traditional pulse-type to bus-type and Ethernet-type.

The scope of application continues to expand

Expanding from general-purpose equipment to high-end machinery and complex operating conditions.

Engineering experience is gradually accumulating.

More real-world project implementations are driving trustworthiness upward.

From “Alternative Solution” to “Primary Solution”

In certain industries, domestically produced encoders have become one of the default options.

VII. Conclusion

Domestic Encoder ReplacementIt is not a simple price substitution, but rather a comprehensive selection based on engineering compatibility, system integration, and long-term operational stability.
Domestic encoders have demonstrated the capability to reliably replace imported alternatives in various industrial applications, provided they meet protocol, accuracy, structural, and on-site operational requirements.