Encoders are devices, circuits, software
programs, algorithms, tran
sducers
or people that convert information from one format, or code to another. Encoders
do this for the purpose of speed, secrecy, security, standardization or to save
space by shrinking the size of the desired code. Encoders are used to change
data or signals such as bit stream into code. The code can serve a different
number of purposes, such as compressing information for transmission and
storage, and encrypting or adding redundancies to the input code. Encoders do
this by using a programmed algorithm. There are different types of encoders,
single bit encoders and priority encoders. Single bit encoders can only handle
one input at a time, whilst priority encoders will handle two or more.