Quadrature Decoders with Serial Output

What are quadrature decoders?

Quadrature decoders integrate a two-channel quadrature pulse train into a number representing the number of state changes that have occurred in the quadrature signal.  These quadrature decoders can be used with both translational and rotary quadrature encoders and are fast enough to decode even armature mounted encoder signals.  The state-count is accessed from these quadrature decoders via a simple edge-driven shift-register interface that requiring either 2 or 3 wire depending on the need for an absolute reset.      

Why offload quadrature decoding from a microcontroller?  

What are the options?

These quadrature encoders can be purchased with either a 16 or 24 bit resolution for either 3.3 V or 5 V logic level operation.

Why 16-bit vs. 24 bit?

Quite simply, 16-bit quadrature encoders can be read faster.  Furthermore, a 16-bit integer typically provides enough resolution to measure 360 degrees.  On the other hand, measuring translational motion measurement can required far greater resolution, hence the need for an additional 8-bits.  

Specifications