An absolute electromagnetic position encoder comprises a readhead and an absolute scale. The readhead comprises a spatially modulated signal coupling configuration and a readhead processor. The absolute scale comprises a passive signal pattern, an active signal pattern and a timing and activation circuit connected to the active signal pattern. During a first signal generating cycle, the readhead processor is configured to provide first cycle spatially periodic signals and the timing and activation circuit is configured to receive and store energy. During a second signal generating cycle, the timing and activation circuit is configured to drive the active signal pattern and the readhead processor is configured to provide at least one corresponding second cycle signal. The readhead processor is configured to determine an absolute position of the readhead relative to the absolute scale based on at least the second cycle signal and the first cycle spatially periodic signals.