How does a Quadrature Encoder work?！

The code disk inside a quadrature encoder contains two tracks usually denoted Channel A and Channel B. These tracks or channels are coded ninety electrical degrees out of phase, as indicated in the image below, and this is the key design element that will provide the quadrature encoder its functionality. In applications where direction sensing is required, a controller can determine direction of movement based on the phase relationship between Channels A and B. As illustrated in the figure below, when the quadrature encoder is rotating in a clockwise direction its signal will show Channel A leading Channel B, and the reverse will happen when the quadrature encoder rotates counterclockwise.

Apart from direction, position can also be monitored with a quadrature encoder by producing another signal known as the “marker”, “index” or “Z channel”. This Z signal, produced once per complete revolution of thequadrature encoder, is often used to locate a specific position during a 360° revolution.

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