# What is encoder?

**URL:** <https://forumautomation.com/t/what-is-encoder/1357>\
**Category:** Interview Q & A\
**Created:** [September 15, 2016, 6:14pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/what-is-encoder/1357 "2016-09-15T18:14:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Shaik\_Alishaheed](https://forumautomation.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/c57346/32.png) [@Shaik\_Alishaheed](https://forumautomation.com/u/Shaik_Alishaheed)\
**Post date:** [September 15, 2016, 6:14pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/what-is-encoder/1357/1 "2016-09-15T18:14:29Z")

</div>

Where is used encoder

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![denizen](https://forumautomation.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/848f3c/32.png) [@denizen](https://forumautomation.com/u/denizen)\
**Post date:** [September 17, 2016, 2:59am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/what-is-encoder/1357/2 "2016-09-17T02:59:00Z")

</div>

An encoder is a device that translates mechanical motion into electronic signal used for position feedback.

Encoder can be categorized in to Absolute Encoder and Incremental Encoder

**Absolute Encoder -**

Absolute encoder provides specific location information.

**Incremental encoder**

Incremental encoder provides distance traveled and direction information.

How encoder works?

Optical incremental encoders are the most commonly used encoder.A disc or grating moves between a light source and a detector. When light passes through the transparent areas of the grating and mask an output is seen from the detector.

This output signal can be sinusoidal or square wave.

 ![how encoder works](https://cdn.forumautomation.com/original/1X/32ce4b62c73b44b6a96b1467632055acf00b3fa4.jpg) 

**Applications of Encoders**

Linear Measurement Motor Feedback X-Y positioning Ball screw positioning