An
encoder is a device, circuit, transducer, software program, algorithm or person that
converts information from one format or
code to another, for the purposes of standardization, speed, secrecy, security, or saving space by shrinking size.
Examples
Media
Software for encoding
audio,
video,
text into standardized formats:
- A compressor encodes data (e.g., audio/video/images) into a smaller form (See codec.)
- An audio encoder may be capable of capturing, compressing and converting audio
- A video encoder may be capable of capturing, compressing and converting audio/video
- An email encoder secures online email addresses from email harvesters
- A PHTML encoder preserves script code logic in a secure format that is transparent to visitors on a web site
- A multiplexer combines multiple inputs into one output.
Job positions
- A Data Entry Encoder may enter data from phone surveys in a coded format into a database.
- A Data Entry Encoder may enter payment amounts from legal tender documents from financial institutions into a database.
- A Manual Encoder may manually scan code tags on baggage that were missed by an automated system.
Security
- A device or person that encodes or encrypts military messages, such as the ADFGVX Cipher in WWI or the Enigma device in WWII.
- A Microchip hopping encoder integrated circuit for non-fixed-code secured entry.
Medical encoding software
- EncoderPro searches ICD-9-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II medical codes, to increase accuracy and allow ease of auditing for compliance.
Transducers
Transducers for encoding position or orientation:
- A rotary encoder converts rotary position to an analog (e.g., analog quadrature) or digital (e.g., digital quadrature, 32-bit parallel, or USB) electronic signal.
- A linear encoder similarly converts linear position to an electronic signal.
Encoder circuits are described below:
Encoder circuit
An encoder can be a
device used to change a
signal (such as a
bitstream) or
data into a
code. The code serves any of a number of purposes such as compressing information for
transmission or
storage,
encrypting or adding
redundancies to the input code, or translating from one code to another. This is usually done by means of a programmed
algorithm, especially if any part is
digital, while most
analog encoding is done with
analog circuitry.
Connecting priority encoders
Priority encoders can be easily connected in arrays to make larger encoders, such as a 16 to 4 encoder made from six 4 to 2 priority encoders (four encoders having the signal source connected to their inputs, and two encoders that take the output of the first four as input).
See also
