In a continuously sampled configuration, the goal is to measure the rate of change in the measured angle (δθ/δt) to determine the angular speed of the gear wheel at any given moment. This method can produce a 0-360 degree result for each gear tooth measured and provides direction information as well. This is helpful for systems that need instantaneous feedback.

The drawback with this method is that the sensor must remain active and continuously converting which is less of a designed for battery powered applications. Also, any non-linearities in the angle response can appear to be temporary change in speed which reduces overall system accuracy.