EXHIBIT 5

                   OPINION OF BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP

                               August 13, 1999

Encad, Inc.
6059 Cornerstone Court West
San Diego, CA  92121

      Re:  Encad, Inc. (the "Company")
           Registration Statement for Offering of 580,000 Shares of Common Stock

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to Encad, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the registration on Form S-8 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 580,000 shares of
common stock (the "Shares") for issuance under the Company's 1999 Stock
Option/Stock Issuance Plan (the "Plan").

         This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of
Item 8 of Form S-8 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K.

         We have reviewed the Company's charter documents and the corporate
proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the establishment of the
Plan. Based on such review, we are of the opinion that, if, as an when the
Shares are issued and sold (and the consideration therefor received) pursuant to
(i) the provisions of option agreements duly authorized under the Plan and in
accordance with the Registration Statement or (ii) direct stock issuances duly
authorized under the Plan and in accordance with the Registration Statement,
such Shares will be duly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

         We consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5 to the
Registration Statement.

         This opinion letter is rendered as of the date first written above and
we disclaim any obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or
developments which hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may
alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein. Our opinion is expressly
limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by
implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company, the
Plan or the Shares.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   /s/ BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP

                                   BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP