The Grove - Optical Rotary Encoder(TCUT1600X01) is a transmissive sensor that includes an infrared emitter and two phototransistor detectors. Usually, the infrared emitter emits infrared rays, the phototransistor detectors receive the infrared rays, then the phototransistor is turned on, both of the output is High, and the onboard LED indicators light up. When there is an obstacle blocking, the phototransistor can not receive the infrared rays, so the phototransistor will be turned off and both of the outputs will be Low, and the on-board LED indicators fade away.

You can use this sensor as a rotary encoder to detect the speed or rotation, and thanks to the two phototransistor detectors, you even can detect the rotation direction. 

Highlighted Features

• Double phototransistor detectors, can determine the direction of rotation

• On-board LED indicators

• Grove Interface, easy to use

Applications

• Automotive optical sensors

• Accurate position sensor for encoder

• Sensor for motion, speed, and direction

• Sensor for “turn and push” encoding

Hardware Overview

Figure: Connection Inputs

Documentation