Abstract: An optical encoder including a leadframe substrate, an emitter, and a detector is disclosed. The leadframe substrate bent to include a base portion, an emitter portion and a detector portion. The emitter, for emitting light, is mounted on the emitter portion. The detector, for detecting light, is mounted on the detector portion. The emitter portion lies at an emitter angle relative to the base portion such that light emitted by the emitter is generally directed at a desired direction. The detector portion lies at a detector angle relative to the base portion such that reflected light is captured by the detector. Due to the angles at which the emitter and the detector are mounted, lenses are not necessary; however, even if lenses are used, the encoder is more robust towards manufacturing tolerances of the lenses.