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Abstract

A capacitance-type encoder capable of obtaining position data of a movable element with low power-consumption. The capacitance-type encoder comprises a stator, a movable element arranged to confront the stator, an excitation device and a signal processing device. The stator has at least three excitation-electrode sets electrically independent from each other, each set constituted of excitation electrodes arranged cyclically and electrically connected with each other so that a predetermined number of excitation-electrode groups are formed. The movable element has connection electrodes having the same number as the excitation-electrode groups. The excitation device applies excitation signals to the excitation-electrode sets periodically in a predetermined sequence. The signal processing device determines which one of divided regions of one cycle of arrangement of the excitation electrodes the movable element is positioned in based on a combination pattern of detection signals generated in the connection electrodes.

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First Claim