Abstract: An encoder and a code plate are provided for determining absolute position. The code plate generally comprises a substrate, at least two bands formed on the substrate corresponding factors of the desired count, two positions formed within each band, and an identifier in each band for identifying each band position so that each code plate position is uniquely identified by reading the band identifiers. In a preferred embodiment, one of the bands comprises a base band having a number of positions equal to a power of two. Further, the sections of each band are formed in a factored relationship so that one of the bands comprises a number sections equal to the count, and also to ensure that only one bit changes at a time when the encoder reads adjacent positional codes. In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for constructing such a code plate. Further, in another embodiment, the encoder is provided with a redundancy check to ensure detection of and isolation of errors on the code plate.