Quadrature output refers to the phasing of the output signals. When the output signals, signal A and B, are 90 degrees out of phase with each other, the output is said to be in quadrature. This is the only thing that the term quadrature implies. (see What is a Quadrature output?)

x4 Logic denotes how the controller will interpret the signal that it is receiving. This is done by translating each edge of the pulse detected for the A and B channel into its own pulse. This translation takes place in the controller and not at the encoder.

This means if you order a quadrature encoder with 120 pulses per revolution, the output of signal A and B will be out of phase by 90 degrees. It does not mean that for every one revolution that the encoder makes you will get 480 pulses. The multiplication of the pulses only occurs at the controller

The A not and B not channels are the compliments of the A and B channels. This means that when signal A is high, signal A not is low and when A is low, signal A not is high. The same is true for any signal that has a compliment. This is commonly used to keep noise to a minimum. Some input cards will accept both the A and A not signal. It then compares the two signals to help eliminate common mode noise that may have been picked up on the line. This is done by accepting a pulse only when signal A is high and signal A not is low. This is true for any channel that has a compliment, signal A was used only as an example. This is commonly called a Differential Output.

A resolver is a mainly mechanical device that provides an analog signal back to the encoder. Resolvers are ideal for applications where high temperature, high shock and vibration, and dust/ dirt are factors. Encoders differ from resolvers due to the fact that they are electrically powered devices devices and provide digital signal back to the encoder.

When you are experiencing an issue with an encoder, it is common to reach for the multi-meter. However, an oscilloscope device is the necessary troubleshooting equipment for encoders and will provide a graphical representation of the output signal.

A pull up resistor is used to "pull" the logic high voltage level up to the level of the operating voltage. This is useful when the output of the Open Collector is not reaching the voltage level needed to indicate a logic high signal or when noise is present on the signal line. When a logic high signal is present its voltage level will be approx. that of the operating voltage for an open circuit. The difference is due to the voltage drop across the pull-up resistor. This is not necessarily true if the load is referenced to ground.

Quadrature output refers to the fact that the signals A and B are separated by 90 degrees of phase shift with A leading B or B leading A depending on the direction of rotation. It does not mean that the output will be 4 times the amount of the Pulses Per Revolution of the encoder. The fact that the signals are 90 degrees out of phase enables the controller to determine the direction that the encoder is spinning. You must use both the A and B signal to have a quadrature output and to get X2 or X4 logic. (see What is the difference between Quadrature and x4 Logic?)

A Push-Pull output is an output that allows you to connect either a sinking or sourcing circuit. (see What is a Sinking or Sourcing input?) This type of an output allows you to sink more current than a Totem Pole output and follow the input voltage. A Push-Pull output is chosen when an Open Collector output will not work with the controller that is connected to the encoder.

A Totem Pole output is essentially the same as a Push-Pull output; however, it is the terminology commonly used when referring to a TTL device. The major difference between it and a Push-Pull is the amount of current that it can sink or source. The Totem Pole output is going to sink/source less current then a Push-Pull output is capable of sinking or sourcing. The other major difference is the output voltage between the two. The Totem Pole is a 5V DC signal only, where the Push Pull will follow the input voltage.

An Open Collector output is an NPN transistor. An NPN transistor allows the sinking of current to common. It can be thought of as a switch that allows the circuit, after the load, to be connected to common. This means that a source is required for the output to work. A supply through a load must be connected to the output, otherwise the NPN transistor is simply creating a path to common, i.e. a dry contact. Therefore, if you were to measure the voltage at the output of an open collector that is not hooked up to some supply you would not see a change in voltage. The voltage should be measured across the output load to determine if the open collector is working properly.

A differential output refers to the fact that each channel has a complement channel, i.e. Channel A and Channel A not. A differential line driver is used to help increase noise immunity (see What are the A not and B not Channels used for?). A differential line driver also allows you to sink or source more current than a Totem Pole output. A differential line driver will work both with a sinking or sourcing circuit. (see What is a Sinking or Sourcing input?) It can also help in increasing the distance in which a signal is transmitted.