NU32v2: Using the LS7183 Quadrature Clock Converter

The LS7183 quadrature clock converter is a chip used to convert quadrature signals from encoders into up and down counts that can be sent to a microchip.

Overview

Rotary encoders create quadrature signals on two channels (A and B) corresponding to the speed and direction of a motor. Some encoders produce up to a million counts per revolution. For very fast quadrature signals there is no way that a software quadrature decoder can avoid overrun errors. Instead we may use the LS7183 chip to translate the A and B quadrature signals into brief pulses indicating up-count or down-count. The up and down counts can be configured as external input signals to increment counters on the PIC32. By reading the counters on the PIC, we can determine the angle of the motor.