We were using reflectance sensors. Either way there’s a trick to detecting which direction a rotary encoder is turning. We’ll explain that for you after the break.

The disc rotation creates a light-dark pattern through the clear and opaque disc segments. An absolute encoder has multiple detectors and a disc with multiple, unique tracks.

Absolute encoders contain multiple detectors and up to 20 tracks of segment patterns. For each encoder position, there is a different binary output -- shaft position is absolutely determined.

Rotary encoders are pretty interesting pieces of technology. They’re a solid way to accurately measure rotation including the direction. [David] recently wrote some software to handle these i… ...

POSITAL’s measuring wheel accessories for its IXARC family of rotary encoders enables these devices to make accurate linear motions and position measurements. “Encoders are great for measuring ...

The AS5055 magnetic rotary encoder with automatic power-down and wake-up modes integrates four Hall sensor elements, a 12-bit angle encoder, smart power management controller, ...