Incremental outputs

There are three signals for incremental output: A, B and Z. Signals A and B are quadrature signals, shifted by 90° and signal Z is a reference mark. One revolution generates N pulses of signal A or B. The number of counts per revolution post quadrature evaluation is N x 4. The reference mark signal is produced once per revolution. The width of the Z pulse is ¼ of quadrature signal period and is matched with A high and B high.

The figure shows the timing diagram of A, B and Z signals with clockwise (CW) rotation of the magnet. B leads A for CW rotation. The counting direction can be changed by swapping A and B signals.

Timing diagram for incremental output	Differential incremental outputs