Encoder interpolation apparatus

121411 3 22 4An interpolating detector for generating a position signal indicating a change in the relative position of a code pattern that includes alternating light and dark stripes is disclosed. The interpolating detector includes a photodiode array, an interpolation function generator, a detector function generator, and a cross-point detector. The photodiode array includes a plurality of sets of photodetectors that generate sinusoidal signals having different amplitudes and phases. The interpolation function generator generates first and second interpolation functions, I(x)=f1 cos(x) and I(x)=f2 sin(x), respectively, from the photodiode signals. The detector function generator generates 4 detector signals, D(x)-D(x), from the photodiode signals. The cross-point detector generates a transition signal when I(x) crosses Dor Dor when I(x) crosses Dor D. The photodiodes have active areas having a shape such that the x values at which the interpolation signals cross the detector signals occur at integer multiples of (2π/m) for a fixed m value.