Magnetic Rotary Encoder AS5600-ASOT – RAKwireless RAK12054

The RAKwireless RAK12054 adds a magnetic rotary encoder to the WisBlock ecosystem using the OSRAM AS5600-ASOT. It measures the absolute angle of a diametrically magnetized on-axis magnet in a contactless setup. By default, the output represents 0 to 360 degrees, and you can map a smaller usable range by programming a zero angle (start position) and a maximum angle (stop position)—useful for knobs, pedals, and limited-travel mechanisms.

The AS5600 includes automatic magnet detection and a smart low power mode to reduce power consumption automatically. A DIR pin lets you select the output polarity relative to rotation direction: with DIR tied to GND, the value increases with clockwise rotation; with DIR tied to VDD, it increases with counterclockwise rotation. The module notes easy programming of start/stop angles via I2C, and the module description also states that rotary position data is interfaced via I2C.

Typical applications include:

Contactless potentiometers: wear-free position sensing in mechanical controls

Contactless knobs: robust user input without wiper wear

Pedals and lever mechanisms: repeatable angle/travel measurement

RC servos and actuators: absolute position feedback in compact builds

The module runs on 3.3 V, operates from -40 °C to +85 °C, and comes in a compact 10 × 10 mm size. A WisBlock Base and WisBlock Core module are required, and a software library and tutorial are mentioned.