Abstract: A photodiode detector array for optical encoders includes a plurality of photodiodes, each of the photodiodes providing a scanning signal with a defined phase relationship to a scale when the detector array moves relative to the scale. A plurality of switching elements is provided for selectively combining each of the photodiodes with other photo diodes in a defined manner. The switching elements allow the photodiodes to be unambiguously combined for at least two different scale radii so that a defined number of phase shifted scanning signals is generated in each case. The combination of the photodiodes differs between the at least two different scale radii.