This involves a play-free electronic switching cam encoder (abbreviated to: NOCN) with a maximum of four galvanically separated switching outputs (cams), which can be set by the customer and which are activated or deactivated depending on the relevant position of the drive shaft. A parameterisable multiturn absolute encoder with CANopen interface plus the switching cam encoder printed circuit board with separate controller are integrated into the compact housing. The encoder's CANopen position signal and the switching outputs can be parameterised separately. Parameterisation is carried out via the relevant CANopen objects in accordance with the encoder profile according to CiA, DS 406, revision 4.01. The NOCN has a fault monitoring system which outputs a fault message via the CANopen bus (emergency message) on detection of a fault.