AS5600 Magnetic Rotary Encoder Module, 12-Bit 4096 Steps Contactless Angle Position Sensor Board, I2C + Analog Output (GPO/PWM), 3.3V–5V Compatible with Arduino ESP32 for DIY Motor Control, Robotics & Knobs (with Magnet + Header Pins)

A potentiometer physically rubs a wiper on a resistive track — it eventually wears out and can produce jitter. The AS5600 measures the magnetic field angle from a magnet, which means:

• Contactless sensing → better durability, lower maintenance
• Stable readings → less drift and less noise
• Higher resolution → 12-bit precision (4096 steps)
• Multiple output options → I2C digital + analog (and breakout GPO/PWM)

1. Mount a diametric magnet (typically included) on the rotating shaft.
2. Place the sensor board so the magnet is centered above the AS5600 chip.
3. As the shaft rotates, the sensor detects the magnetic field orientation and outputs the angle.

Tip for best accuracy: Keep the magnet centered and stable. Misalignment or wrong magnet type can reduce accuracy or range.

This encoder module supports two main ways to read position:

Read high-resolution angle values directly via I2C using Arduino/ESP32. Great for:

• motor control loops
• robotics joints
• closed-loop feedback systems
• precise measurement & calibration

Analog output is easy for microcontrollers with ADC pins. Great for:

• knobs/dials
• joystick-like controls
• quick prototypes without I2C libraries

Many AS5600 breakouts also expose GPO which is commonly used for PWM output or additional configuration/feature signaling depending on module design.

This board typically exposes these pins (as printed on the PCB):

• VCC → 5V
• GND → GND
• SDA → A4
• SCL → A5

• VCC → 3.3V (recommended for ESP32 logic)
• GND → GND
• SDA → GPIO21 (common default)
• SCL → GPIO22 (common default)

• VCC → 3.3V or 5V
• GND → GND
• OUT → any ADC input pin

Note: Exact behavior of GPO and some limits can vary slightly by breakout design, but the AS5600 core capability remains the same: precise contactless angle sensing.

• BLDC motor angle feedback (DIY closed loop control)
• Servo / actuator position sensing
• Robotics joints and arm rotation feedback
• Rotary knobs (audio mixer / CNC / UI controller)
• Steering angle sensing for RC cars/robots
• Gimbal & camera slider position feedback
• 3D printer / CNC mods where non-contact sensing helps

• 1× AS5600 encoder module
• 1× Magnet (typical kit includes a small round magnet)
• 1× Pin header strip