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Example rotational measurement chain with sensors and data acquisition
GEARBOXES & TRANSMISSION ERROR

Measure transmission error. Assess gearbox behaviour.

Transmission error describes the deviation between the ideal and actual motion transmitted through a gearbox. ROTEC supports its investigation with synchronised rotational data acquisition and application-specific analysis in RAS software.

Understand deviations under operating conditions

A gearbox investigation needs more than average speed. Shaft motion, gear ratio and operating conditions must be considered together. Suitable analysis helps compare transmission behaviour across speed and load.

  • How does transmission error change across the operating range?
  • Which orders dominate the measurement?
  • How can design variants be compared using the same test setup?

From the measurement task to the analysis

1. Define the measurement

Identify the gear stage, gear ratio, accessible measurement points and operating conditions.

2. Capture rotation synchronously

High-resolution encoders on input and output shafts capture rotational motion. A common time base supports multi-channel analysis and comparison with simultaneously measured vibration signals.

3. Analyse the gearbox

RAS software provides gear and gearbox analysis alongside time, angle and order analysis.

4. Interpret the results

Compare results in the context of measurement configuration and operating conditions. Additional vibration signals require a suitable measurement setup.

Evaluate measurement data in context

Operating conditions and additional quantities provide context for the results. A time history can display different signals together; the signals and analysis methods are selected for the particular measurement task.

Example time histories measured on an electric drive
Example: electric-drive time histories during braking with ABS intervention. This is not a TE or continuous-monitoring case study.

Measurement chain and engineering

Support with sensor selection, measurement points, data acquisition and analysis.

Transmission behaviour in context

Analysis tools for transmission error, averaged revolutions and order spectra.

Plan measurement and assessment around the task

Wind turbine gearboxes

Investigate speed-dependent and operating-condition-dependent behaviour during development and validation.

Gearbox testing

Measurements and analyses can be integrated into test procedures. RAS software lists end-of-line inspection of gearboxes and gear pairs as an application.

Transmission error: your questions

Is transmission error the same as torsional vibration?

No. Transmission error relates the deviation in transmitted motion to the ideal gear ratio. Torsional vibration analysis examines dynamic rotational behaviour. Both can be relevant to a gearbox investigation.

Does a TE measurement replace a complete noise investigation?

No. An NVH assessment must account for the test objective, operating conditions and, where appropriate, additional measurements.

Which gearbox would you like to investigate?

Tell us about the gear stage, operating range and test objective. We can then discuss measurement points and the analyses required.

Example rotational measurement chain with sensors and data acquisition
GEARBOXES & TRANSMISSION ERROR

Measure transmission error. Assess gearbox behaviour.

Transmission error describes the deviation between the ideal and actual motion transmitted through a gearbox. ROTEC supports its investigation with synchronised rotational data acquisition and application-specific analysis in RAS software.

Understand deviations under operating conditions

A gearbox investigation needs more than average speed. Shaft motion, gear ratio and operating conditions must be considered together. Suitable analysis helps compare transmission behaviour across speed and load.

  • How does transmission error change across the operating range?
  • Which orders dominate the measurement?
  • How can design variants be compared using the same test setup?

From the measurement task to the analysis

1. Define the measurement

Identify the gear stage, gear ratio, accessible measurement points and operating conditions.

2. Capture rotation synchronously

High-resolution encoders on input and output shafts capture rotational motion. A common time base supports multi-channel analysis and comparison with simultaneously measured vibration signals.

3. Analyse the gearbox

RAS software provides gear and gearbox analysis alongside time, angle and order analysis.

4. Interpret the results

Compare results in the context of measurement configuration and operating conditions. Additional vibration signals require a suitable measurement setup.

Evaluate measurement data in context

Operating conditions and additional quantities provide context for the results. A time history can display different signals together; the signals and analysis methods are selected for the particular measurement task.

Example time histories measured on an electric drive
Example: electric-drive time histories during braking with ABS intervention. This is not a TE or continuous-monitoring case study.

Measurement chain and engineering

Support with sensor selection, measurement points, data acquisition and analysis.

Transmission behaviour in context

Analysis tools for transmission error, averaged revolutions and order spectra.

Plan measurement and assessment around the task

Wind turbine gearboxes

Investigate speed-dependent and operating-condition-dependent behaviour during development and validation.

Gearbox testing

Measurements and analyses can be integrated into test procedures. RAS software lists end-of-line inspection of gearboxes and gear pairs as an application.

Transmission error: your questions

Is transmission error the same as torsional vibration?

No. Transmission error relates the deviation in transmitted motion to the ideal gear ratio. Torsional vibration analysis examines dynamic rotational behaviour. Both can be relevant to a gearbox investigation.

Does a TE measurement replace a complete noise investigation?

No. An NVH assessment must account for the test objective, operating conditions and, where appropriate, additional measurements.

Which gearbox would you like to investigate?

Tell us about the gear stage, operating range and test objective. We can then discuss measurement points and the analyses required.

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NEWS & TECHNICAL INSIGHTS

News and insights

Technical insights into rotational measurement and news from the ROTEC network.

Company · 11 June 2026

Rotec China Office officially begins operations

With its Shanghai office and regional contacts, ROTEC is expanding technical support for customers and partners in China.

Explore the China Office
Company · 11 June 2026

Why Rotec Munich has returned to its original name

The return to the original name connects ROTEC’s history with the continued development of precise rotational analysis and measurement technology.

Read the story
Technical insights · 11 June 2026

Measuring transmission error in wind turbine gearboxes

How transmission errors arise and how rotational and order analysis help investigate vibration and noise in wind turbine gearboxes.

Read the technical article

NEWS & TECHNICAL INSIGHTS

News and insights

Technical insights into rotational measurement and news from the ROTEC network.

Company · 11 June 2026

Rotec China Office officially begins operations

With its Shanghai office and regional contacts, ROTEC is expanding technical support for customers and partners in China.

Explore the China Office
Company · 11 June 2026

Why Rotec Munich has returned to its original name

The return to the original name connects ROTEC’s history with the continued development of precise rotational analysis and measurement technology.

Read the story
Technical insights · 11 June 2026

Measuring transmission error in wind turbine gearboxes

How transmission errors arise and how rotational and order analysis help investigate vibration and noise in wind turbine gearboxes.

Read the technical article