encoder

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

encoder

   1. <algorithm, hardware> Any program, circuit or {algorithm}
   which {encodes}.

   Example usages: "{MPEG} encoder", "{NTSC} encoder",
   "{RealAudio} encoder".

   2. <hardware> A sensor or transducer for converting rotary
   motion or position to a series of electronic pulses.

   (1997-03-04)