Are Magnetic Scale Signals Affected by AC Interference?

Magnetic scales provide high-precision position feedback, but AC electromagnetic interference can impact signal accuracy. Below are causes and mitigation strategies.

AC interference effects

1. EMC issues: nearby motors and frequency converters generate AC fields that may interfere with sensor signals.

2. Signal attenuation: AC noise can cause signal fluctuation and parasitic effects that blur the readout.

3. Reduced SNR: added noise lowers signal-to-noise ratio, impacting high-precision measurements.

Mitigation methods

• Shielding: use electromagnetic shielding and keep sensors away from high-power equipment.

• Proper grounding: ensure reliable grounding to avoid interference loops.

• Signal filtering: apply filtering (e.g., low-pass) in signal processing to remove high-frequency noise.

• High-performance devices: select read heads and scales with strong anti-interference capability.

With careful design and mitigation measures, the impact of AC interference on magnetic scale signals can be minimized to maintain measurement reliability.