AB Phase Quadrature Incremental Linear Encoder, 1μm

An incremental quadrature encoder is an encoder that detects rotation or displacement by outputting two pulse signals with a 90°phase difference (usually called phase A and phase B). The control system determines the position change, direction of rotation, and speed of the equipment by counting and comparing the phases of these two pulses. Some encoders also provide a Z-phase signal (zero-position signal) for reference positioning per revolution.

The quadrature output of a linear encoder is typically two square wave signals (phase A and phase B) with a 90°phase difference. When the reader moves along the scale, it generates continuous pulse signals. The control system can calculate not only the distance and speed but also the direction of movement by detecting the phase relationship between the A and B signals.

A quadrature encoder detects periodic patterns (such as optical or magnetic gratings) on the encoder disk or scale using sensors. When the encoder shaft rotates or the reader moves, the system generates two pulse signals with a 90° phase difference. The controller calculates displacement by counting pulses, calculates velocity by pulse frequency, and determines the direction of motion by the sequence of A and B signals, thereby achieving precise motion detection and control.