According to one embodiment, a method for providing position feedback for a device includes providing a photointerrupter having a light-emitting diode, a phototransistor, and an aperture between the light-emitting diode and the phototransistor. For a given size aperture, a current through the phototransistor is a function of a current through the light-emitting diode. The method also includes controlling the current through the light-emitting diode current such that a change in the effective aperture size results in a desired approximately proportional change in current through the phototransistor. While controlling the current through the light-emitting diode, a portion of the aperture is blocked by an arm that has a position indicative of the position of the device. The method also includes providing a signal indicative of the change in current through the photodiode as an indication of the change in position of the device.