  Quasi--one dimensional edge channels are formed at the boundary of a
two-dimensional electron system subject to a strong perpendicular magnetic
field. We consider the effect of Rashba spin--orbit coupling, induced by
structural inversion asymmetry, on their electronic and transport properties.
Both our analytical and numerical results show that spin--split quantum--Hall
edge channels exhibit properties analogous to that of Rashba--split quantum
wires. Suppressed backscattering and a long spin life time render these edge
channels an ideal system for observing voltage--controlled spin precession.
Based on the latter, we propose a magnet--less spin--dependent electron
interferometer.
