Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining the minimum required processing speed for a quadrature decoder using measurements of an encoder performance, and to assess the safety factor of a particular decoder processing speed. The system and method may also be used to indicate proper adjustment direction by displaying real-time error measurements during encoder alignment. The system measures the logic state width error and provides for calculation of alignment parameters, processing speed and a safety factor. The method allows a measured the logic state width error can be used to for calculating a minimum required processing speed and a safety factor.

Abstract: A Low-Cost Absolute Linear Optical Encoder (“LALOE”) for determining the absolute position of a read-head within the LALOE relative to a codestrip is disclosed. The LALOE may include an emitter module within the read-head, the emitter module having a plurality of light sources arranged in an light source pattern and a 90° Out-Of-Phase light source; and a detector module within the read-head, the detector module having a plurality of photo-detectors arranged in a photo-detector pattern corresponding to the light source pattern and a 90° Out-Of-Phase photo-detector corresponding to the 90° Out-Of-Phase light source.

Abstract: Alignment of an optical encoder with respect to a codewheel. An alignment jig is used to align the encoder with respect to the codewheel shaft by mating with the codewheel shaft and with reference features on the encoder, which may comprise pins or receiving means for pins. One or more of the pins may be tapered to speed assembly.