Optical encoder using time domain multi-plexer.

摘要

An optical encoder having a single light source and single light receiver transcribes signal information imprinted on an optical mask in the form of light transmissive or opaque regions in a plurality of signal bit locations into a serial, real time optical pulse signal in which the presence or absence of an optical pulse in each of a plurality of successive pulse window time intervals defines the signal state of successive signal bit locations, by multiplexing a light source pulse into a temporal array of secondary light pulses, one for each signal bit of the optical mask and each presented to the associated signal bit in a related one of successive pulse window time intervals, the optical receiver detecting the presence or absence of a secondary light pulse in each successive interval and providing signal manifestation in the form of electrical signal bits corresponding to the signal state of the data word imprinted on the optical mask.