Wiegand encoders use a magnetic primary encoder that provides 131,072 counts/turn (also called 17-bit because 217 = 131,072). The turns counter is 16 bits, so it can track 216 = 65,536 shaft turns.

This device was used to test and evaluate the different encoders using a TMB+ torque motor from ETEL. The cutaway shows the positions of the different absolute angle encoders: (a) a Heidenhain RCN ...