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Technical Details Regarding the QBL4208-61-04-013-1K Built-In Encoder

Category: Hardware
Hi everyone. I am an electrical engineering student currently working on a university capstone project related to motor control. Specifically, we are attempting to perform speed control on a BLDC motor, with the aim of sending various parameters (i.e. position, phase currents, phase voltages) to a Raspberry Pi 5 for processing. 
The BLDC we plan on using is the QBL4208-61-04-013-1K, which includes a built-in encoder. This specific BLDC can be found via DigiKey: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/analog-devices-inc-maxim-integrated/QBL4208-61-04-013-1K/9950761?s=N4IgTCBcDaIIoCEAyAWMAGAHAWgGwEZt0Uj8BmbfAaxAF0BfIA
Additionally, we plan to both drive and control the motor using the TMCM-1640 module, which can be found via DigiKey: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/analog-devices-inc-maxim-integrated/QBL4208-61-04-013-1K/9950761?s=N4IgTCBcDaIIoCEAyAWMAGAHAWgGwEZt0Uj8BmbfAaxAF0BfIA
Lastly, to interface between the TMCM-1640 board and the BLDC motor, we will make use of the TMCM-1640-CABLE package: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/analog-devices-inc-maxim-integrated/TMCM-1640-CABLE/4399640
My question is related specifically to connecting the BLDC's encoder to the encoder interface of the TMCM board. The encoder interface on the TMCM board has 5-pins, which include:
  • GND
  • +5V Vcc
  • Encoder A channel
  • Encoder B channel
  • Encoder N channel
However, the BLDC's encoder includes 9 wires that correspond to the following connections:
  • Vcc
  • GND
  • Encoder A+ channel
  • Encoder A- channel
  • Encoder B+ channel
  • Encoder B- channel
  • Encoder Z+ channel
  • Encoder Z- channel
  • Shield 

From what I understand, how the 9 wires of the BLDC encoder connect to the TMCM board will depend on the relationship between the A+ and A- wires. For example, if the A+ and A- channels are with respect to ground, then the A-, B-, and Z- wires of the encoder can be left floating (i.e. not connected to the TMCM board). However, if the A+ and A- channels are with respect to each other – that is, if they are differential pairs – then the A-, B-, and Z- wires should all be shorted to GND on the TMCM board. In both cases, I understand that the "shield" wire should short to GND as well.

My question is two-fold: first, is my understanding of the above connection scheme correct? Second, I would appreciate confirmation on how the BLDC's encoder wires are referenced: are the A+ and A- wires with respect to ground, or are they differential pairs? For convenience, I have attached the pinout of the encoder for both the TMCM board and the BLDC motor to this request ticket.

Any help on this subject matter would be greatly appreciated!