Grayhill 61K50 Rotary Encoder Optical 50PPR - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Grayhill 61K50 is an optical rotary encoder with 50 pulses per revolution (PPR), providing quadrature (incremental) output for vertical mounting applications. This encoder is designed for panel and PCB through-hole installations with a 1/4" diameter flatted end actuator and PC pin termination. The 61K50 is an active product with full ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), making it suitable for industrial control and measurement applications requiring reliable position feedback.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent functional performance can be achieved within the allowed electrical and mechanical parameters of this product category, particularly when original inventory is unavailable or when alternative sourcing is required for production continuity.

Substiute Parts

61K50

Grayhill Inc.In Stock: 124161K50 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EM14A0D-C24-L032N

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 1184EM14A0D-C24-L032N Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the Grayhill 61K50 are identified based on strict alignment with the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Encoder Type: Optical
• Output Type: Quadrature (Incremental)
• Supply Voltage: 5V
• Actuator Type: 1/4" Dia Flatted End
• Mounting Type: Panel, PCB Through Hole
• Orientation: Vertical
• Termination Style: PC Pin
• Detent: No
• Built-in Switch: No

Allowed Variation Parameters:

• Pulses per Revolution (PPR): Substitutes may differ from 50 PPR if the application tolerates alternative resolution levels
• Rotational Life: Substitutes may have different cycle ratings if minimum operational requirements are met
• Compliance Status: Substitutes must maintain ROHS3 compliance

The Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N is identified as a substitute part because it maintains all mandatory matching parameters while offering 32 PPR instead of 50 PPR. This variation in resolution is permissible in applications where the lower pulse count does not compromise system performance requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection - Grayhill 61K50: The Grayhill 61K50 is the specified component and remains the primary selection for applications requiring 50 PPR resolution. This part maintains active product status with full ROHS3 compliance and superior rotational life rating of 10 million cycles minimum. The MSL 1 rating provides unlimited moisture sensitivity tolerance, suitable for diverse environmental conditions.

Alternative Selection - Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N: The Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N serves as an alternative when the Grayhill 61K50 is unavailable. This substitute maintains mechanical and electrical compatibility across all critical parameters. The primary difference is the 32 PPR output versus 50 PPR on the primary part. Selection of this substitute is appropriate only when the application can accommodate the lower resolution without performance degradation. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and active product status. The Bourns part carries REACH Affected status, whereas the Grayhill part is REACH Unaffected; this distinction must be evaluated against end-use regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N be used as a direct replacement for the Grayhill 61K50?

A: The Bourns part is mechanically and electrically compatible for panel and PCB through-hole mounting with identical 5V supply, actuator geometry, and termination style. However, the 32 PPR output differs from the 50 PPR specification of the Grayhill part. Direct substitution is permissible only if the application firmware or control system can operate with the lower pulse resolution without loss of required positioning accuracy or control performance.

Q: What is the significance of the PPR difference between these parts?

A: Pulses per revolution (PPR) determines the angular resolution of the encoder output. The Grayhill 61K50 provides 50 pulses per complete rotation, while the Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N provides 32 pulses per rotation. Applications requiring fine angular resolution or high-precision position feedback may not tolerate this reduction. Applications with less stringent resolution requirements can accommodate the substitute without functional impact.

Q: Are there compliance differences between these parts?

A: Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry EAR99 ECCN classification. The Grayhill 61K50 is REACH Unaffected, while the Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N is REACH Affected. For applications subject to REACH regulations, this distinction requires evaluation against specific end-use requirements and geographic distribution channels.

Q: What is the difference in rotational life between these encoders?

A: The Grayhill 61K50 specifies a minimum rotational life of 10 million cycles, while the Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N specifies 1 million cycles minimum. For applications with continuous or high-frequency rotation demands, the Grayhill part provides extended operational life. The Bourns part is suitable for applications with moderate rotation frequency or intermittent duty cycles.

Q: Are the packaging and termination styles identical?

A: Both parts use PC pin termination and are supplied in bulk packaging. The 1/4" diameter flatted end actuator and vertical mounting orientation are identical. PCB through-hole and panel mounting compatibility is equivalent for both parts.

Q: What MSL rating applies to the Bourns substitute?

A: The Bourns EM14A0D-C24-L032N carries an MSL rating of Not Applicable, whereas the Grayhill 61K50 carries MSL 1 (Unlimited). This indicates different moisture sensitivity classifications. For applications in high-humidity or condensing environments, the Grayhill part with MSL 1 rating provides broader environmental tolerance.