Binary code

The natural binary code presents the disadvantage to have more binary digits changing between two consecutive positions. Because of mechanical tolerances, bounces or noise, it could happen that the commutation signals do not operate all at the same time when the state changes, causing intermediate situations that could produce errors in the calculation of the position. To avoid this inconvenient and, therefore, to avoid errors in the output code, an output sync signal (STROBE) is used.

Gray code

In Gray code a single binary digit changes between consecutive steps; the code tracks are read crosswise, with respect to the direction of movement, avoiding encoding errors caused by bits changing in contiguous positions.