AI agents & screen readers: for a machine-readable, text-only catalogue, start at /llms.txt. Products are available as Markdown (/products.md, /products/{handle}.md) and JSON (/products.json, /products/{handle}.json).
Store

DFRobot

$7.40 |
In stock at supplier
No reviews yet

The 8421 Encoder (Horizontal) is an absolute position encoder with 16 positions (0–F) using BCD/8421 encoding. Unlike incremental encoders or potentiometers,...

Stock availability

Available with leadtime
159 available
Estimated Delivery
Arrives
Disclaimer
View Markdown
Secure checkout

The 8421 Encoder (Horizontal) is an absolute position encoder with 16 positions (0–F) using BCD/8421 encoding. Unlike incremental encoders or potentiometers, the mechanical position directly determines the output code — no memory, reference point, or continuous counting is required. Simply read the position whenever you need it.

This makes the encoder highly reliable with strong interference resistance, and it retains position without power. The horizontal-mount form factor is suited for panel or PCB mounting where the shaft axis runs parallel to the board.

Key Features

  • Absolute Position Encoding – 16 positions (0–F) with 8421 BCD output
  • No Memory Required – Position is always readable without reference homing
  • Horizontal Mount – Shaft axis parallel to the mounting surface
  • 10,000 Step Service Life – Durable for industrial applications

Specifications

  • Encoding: 8421 BCD, 16 positions (0–F)
  • Operating Current: 150 mA
  • Max Voltage: 42V
  • Service Life: 10,000 steps
  • Operating Temperature: −40°C to +85°C
  • Dimensions: 14 × 19 mm
  • Mounting Aperture: 2.0 mm
  • Mounting Hole Pitch: 15 mm

Also Available

Package Contents

  • 1× 8421 Encoder (Horizontal)

Resources

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

encoder
An encoder is a sensor that converts the rotation or position of a shaft, knob or dial into electrical signals, reporting movement as incremental steps and direction, or as an absolute position. It is used to track how far something has turned, which matters for precise positioning, speed control, repeatable movement, or using a rotary knob as an input.
PCB
A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.

Supplier page — dfrobot.com

Supplier Description · 623.5 KB · Click any page to view full size

Download PDF

DFR0722 8421 encoder horizontal schematics 1.0

Schematic · 64.3 KB · Click any page to view full size

Download PDF

DFR0722 8421 encoder horizontal datasheet 1.0

Datasheet · 540.1 KB · Click any page to view full size

Download PDF

Related Tutorials

Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au

Stella
Stella Expert

Ask me anything about this product

Maddy, co-founder of Little Bird

Need help? We're here for you!

Hi, I'm Maddy. My team and I are ready to help with your order or any questions.