If you’ve ever tinkered with motors, robotics, or motion tracking projects, you know how crucial accurate angular feedback can be. In his latest post and video, The Curious Scientist takes you on a deep dive into one of the most impressive little sensors around: the AS5600 magnetic rotary position encoder.
This unassuming 2×2 cm board hides remarkable precision. With a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter, the AS5600 delivers 4096 distinct positions per revolution, translating to a stunning 0.087° of angular resolution. That’s finer than one-tenth of a degree ,and it’s all achieved using a tiny magnet and some smart signal processing.
A Simple Yet Powerful Setup
In the project, The Curious Scientist demonstrates how to wire the AS5600 to an Arduino Nano via the I²C interface, making it compatible with virtually any Arduino-based microcontroller. He pairs the sensor with a stepper motor and an OLED display, printing real-time angular readings as the motor turns.
But what really makes this build shine is the attention to mechanical detail. Using 3D-printed mounts, the encoder is perfectly aligned to a diametrically magnetized magnet on the motor shaft, ensuring optimal magnetic field orientation and sensor performance. Even minor challenges, like centering the magnet and maintaining the proper 0.5–3 mm air gap, are thoughtfully addressed.
What you'll need:
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AS5600 Magnetic Angle Sensor Encoder Module |
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Nema 17 stepper motor 59Ncm |
Under the Hood: Understanding How It Works
Through both practical demonstration and in-depth analysis, the blog post explains how the AS5600 uses four precisely arranged Hall sensors to detect magnetic field direction, converting it into a smooth and precise digital position. The article also explores:
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How the encoder registers absolute and relative position
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The logic behind I²C communication and register mapping
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How to detect when the magnet is too close or too far using built-in status bits
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A clear explanation of quadrant transitions to track full rotations in software
For readers wanting to go beyond hardware, the source code is dissected line by line, showing how to read angle data, apply tare correction, detect full turns, and update the OLED display efficiently.
Real Applications and Inspiration
By the end of the post, it’s clear that this tiny encoder isn’t just a demo piece, it’s a versatile tool that can elevate any motion-sensitive project. The Curious Scientist shares plans to integrate the AS5600 into his milling table setup and other precise motion systems, showing the sensor’s potential in real-world use.
Why You’ll Love This Post
The Curious Scientist’s style strikes a balance between deep technical insight and hands-on creativity. Whether you’re an electronics hobbyist, engineer, or student, you’ll walk away with both a working understanding of how the AS5600 operates and the confidence to implement it in your own designs.
Read the full post, see the schematics, and watch the build in action:
Discover how precision, simplicity, and curiosity come together; only on The Curious Scientist.
