Reflective encoder technology for portable medical device design

In the past few years, many semiconductor companies have gradually focused on the medical device market. Emerging application trends in the medical field are increasingly demanding technology, and designers are beginning to develop highly competitive products for a variety of needs. For example, the demand for home medical equipment is growing very fast. This is in line with two trends: the public's awareness of the advantages of self-management medical care is becoming more common, and outpatient treatment is less expensive than hospitalization. These trends are continuing to drive healthcare companies to develop products that are easier to carry, less expensive, and easier to use.

Currently, there are many different diagnostic and therapeutic devices in the outpatient treatment market, such as dialysis equipment, portable insulin pumps, insulin inhalers and diabetes management systems. The emergence of these self-service medical devices has also prompted device manufacturers to introduce innovative products.

Therefore, product designers are all looking for new component products that can support innovative thinking and future medical product development trends and can meet the rapid market development strategy. In particular, the miniature reflective encoder technology has become an effective boost for portable medical device manufacturers to break through existing accuracy, power consumption, size and cost constraints. These enhanced motion control feedback devices can surpass existing encoder technologies such as magnetic induction technology, resulting in lower cost and lower power consumption.

This article will compare the reflective encoder technology with the prior art and provide a terminal application case in which several reflective encoders are particularly suitable. This article will also explain why designers will begin to use reflective optical encoders to address electromagnetic interference (EMI) and accuracy issues that can cause safety issues. Reflective encoders offer the advantages of miniaturization, relatively low cost, and easy introduction into the design, providing a successful solution for a wide range of medical device applications.