Pros and Cons of Optical Gratings vs Magnetic Gratings

Optical gratings and magnetic gratings offer different measurement advantages. Optical gratings use diffraction and interference to achieve very high resolution (often sub-micron) but require controlled optical conditions and have limited range.

Magnetic gratings use magnetic stripe patterns and a read head to generate electrical signals; they are robust, tolerant of harsh environments, and suitable for ranges from centimeters to meters, though typically with lower absolute precision.

Choose based on precision, range, and environment.