Manchester encoding is a method of data transmission employed in computer networks and telecommunications. Data transmission is facilitated by combining clock and data signals into one stream, thereby simplifying synchronization of the data.

Each bit of data is represented by a transition - specifically, a change from high to low or low to high in the signal. Synchronization of the data is made possible through this precise representation. As a result, receiving devices can accurately interpret the transmitted data.

Widely used in Ethernet technology and other digital communication systems, Manchester encoding offers reliability and simplicity in data transmission.

Manchester encoding divides the duration of each bit into two distinct halves. In the first half, the voltage remains constant at one level, while in the second half, the voltage transitions to the other level.

This approach enables synchronization through a transition point midway through the bit. Differential Manchester is an adaptation that combines elements from Return-to-Zero (RZ) and Non-Return-to-Zero-Inverted (NRZ-I) encoding schemes.

A defining characteristic of Manchester encoding is that there is always a transition in the middle of each bit, resulting from this voltage change across two levels. The value of each bit is determined at the outset, with transitions occurring only for bits with values of zero. Conversely, bits with values of one exhibit no transition.