# Encoder (position)

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An '''encoder''' is a sensor which turns a position into an electronic signal.

There are two forms:
* [Absolute encoder](/source/Absolute_encoder)s give an absolute position value.
* [Incremental encoder](/source/Incremental_encoder)s count movement rather than position. With detection of a datum position and the use of a counter, an absolute position may be derived.

The position may be measured as either linear or angular position
* [Linear encoder](/source/Linear_encoder), converts linear position to an electronic signal
* [Rotary encoder](/source/Rotary_encoder), converts rotary position to an electronic signal

== See also ==
* [Encoder (disambiguation)](/source/Encoder_(disambiguation))

{{Set index}}

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Encoder (position)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encoder_(position)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encoder_(position)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.