Gray code

A binary numeral system ordering in which adjacent values differ in exactly one bit. This property reduces errors when transitions between consecutive values are read or recorded.

Binary-reflected Gray code: The standard Gray-code sequence formed by reflecting and prefixing shorter sequences. Its recursive construction is the best-known way to generate the ordering.
Rotary encoder: A sensor that converts rotational position or motion into an electrical signal. Gray-coded tracks let its position output change one bit at a time.
Frank Gray: An American physicist and engineer who developed a cyclic binary code for signal transmission. The code bears Gray’s name, and he patented its use in television systems.
Natural binary code: The ordinary binary representation in which place values are powers of two. Unlike Gray code, consecutive natural-binary numbers can differ in several bits.
Binary numeral system: A positional numeral system that represents numbers using the digits zero and one. Gray code rearranges binary values without changing the set of represented values.
Analog-to-digital converter: An electronic circuit that converts a continuous input signal into digital values. Some converter architectures use Gray coding to reduce errors during state transitions.
Bell Labs: An American research and development organization known for major advances in communications and computing. Gray developed and patented his code while working at Bell Telephone Laboratories.
One-hot code: A code in which exactly one bit is set in each valid word. It also supports simple state transitions, but uses many more bits than Gray code.
Exclusive OR: A Boolean operation that returns one when its inputs differ and zero when they match. Exclusive OR with a right-shifted binary number converts binary values to Gray code.
Karnaugh map: A graphical method for simplifying Boolean expressions by grouping adjacent cells. Its cell ordering uses Gray code so neighboring cells differ in one variable.

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