US Patent 7982175 Miniaturized single track optical encoder system with integrated index channel(s)

Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder system having at least three channels—two data channels and at least one index channel. The various configurations of reflective optical encoders disclosed herein permits very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the embodiments of the reflective optical encoder systems disclosed herein reduce problems associated with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permit relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduce manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed.