HOW DO TACHOMETERS CONNECT TO LARGER SYSTEMS?
On the input side, tachometers fall into three basic categories: Direct-coupling and noncontact (both with internal sensors) and processor-only sensorless types. Direct-coupling tachometers attach to shafts directly, just as rotary shaft encoders do. Noncontact tachometers detect shaft-mounted targets across an airgap; tachometers with internal Hall-effect sensors, for example, detect shaft-mounted magnetic discs or wraps. Sensorless tachometers have sensor input terminals that typically connect to pulse-output devices such as proximity switches, photo-eyes, Hall-effect sensors, and incremental encoders.
