enkoder

Enkoder is a term used to describe a device or algorithm that converts information from one representation to another. In engineering and computing, an enkoder takes an input signal or data stream and outputs a coded form suitable for transmission, storage, or processing. Enkoders are paired with dekoders in systems that reconstruct the original data.

Hardware enkoders include position enkoders that measure angular or linear motion. Incremental enkoders emit pulses as movement occurs, enabling relative positioning, while absolute enkoders provide a unique code for each position. Technologies include optical enkoders, which use a light source and a coded disk with transparent and opaque segments; magnetic enkoders, which rely on magnetized patterns and sensors; and other methods such as capacitive or lithographic enkoders. Enkoders may output quadrature signals, serial data streams (for example SSI, BiSS, or CAN-based protocols), or sine/cosine waveforms for high-resolution interpolation.

In data communications, storage, and multimedia, encoders convert data into more compact or robust representations. Examples include general data encoders for compression and error correction, as well as multimedia encoders like video codecs (for example H.264/AVC and HEVC) and audio codecs (such as MP3 and AAC).

In signal processing and artificial intelligence, the term also refers to the encoder part of encoder–decoder architectures and to neural network models known as autoencoders that learn efficient representations of input data.

Common applications of enkoders span robotics, CNC machines, printers, consumer electronics, telecommunications, and data storage.