Potentiometer
A potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used, one end and the wiper moves, it acts as a variable resistor or rheostat.
Benefits of Potentiometer
Versatile
Potentiometers can be used in a wide range of applications, such as controlling volume or brightness levels in electronic devices, adjusting motor speed, and measuring unknown voltages.
Adjustable
The resistance of a potentiometer can be easily adjusted by rotating a knob or slider, allowing for precise control and fine-tuning of electrical circuits.
Simple design
Potentiometers have a relatively simple design, making them cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Wide range of resistance values
Potentiometers are available in a variety of resistance values, allowing them to be used in different types of circuits and applications.
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Potentiometers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their selection is based on specific requirements such as the ones listed below.
The Structure's requirements
Resistance to Change Characteristics
Choose a potentiometer based on the needs of the application.
Choose the settings based on the circuit's requirements.
Types of Potentiometers
A potentiometer is additionally normally known as a pot. These potentiometers have three terminal associations. One terminal is associated with a sliding contact called a wiper and the other two terminals is associated with a decent obstruction track. The wiper can be moved along the resistive track either by utilization of a straight sliding control or a revolving "wiper” contact. Both turning and direct controls have similar fundamental activities.
The most well-known type of potentiometer is the single turn rotational potentiometer. This sort of potentiometer is frequently utilized in sound volume control (logarithmic shape) just as numerous different applications. Various materials are utilized to build potentiometers, including carbon structure, cermet, conductive plastic, and metal film.
Rotary Potentiometers
These are the most widely recognized sort of potentiometers, where the wiper moves along a roundabout way. These potentiometers are principally used to get a variable voltage supply to a negligible portion of circuits. The best illustration of this turning potentiometer is a radio semiconductor's volume regulator where the pivoting handle controls the current stock toward the intensifier.
This sort of potentiometer incorporates two terminal contacts where a predictable obstruction can be situated in a semi-roundabout model. And furthermore, it remembers a terminal for the centre that is partnered to the opposition utilizing a sliding contact that is associated through a turning handle. The sliding contact can be turned by turning the handle over the half-roundabout obstruction. The voltage of this can be gotten among the two contacts of obstruction and the sliding. These potentiometers are utilized at any place level voltage control is essential.
Linear Potentiometers
In these kinds of Potentiometers, the wiper moves along a straightway. Otherwise called slide pot, slider, or fader. This potentiometer is like the rotational sort however in this potentiometer, the sliding contact basically turned on the resistor directly. The association of the resistor's two terminals is associated across the voltage source. A sliding contact on the resistor can be moved to utilize a way that is associated with the resistor.
The terminal of the resistor is associated with the sliding which is associated with one completion of the circuit's yield and one more terminal is associated with the other completion of the circuit's yield. This sort of potentiometer is for the most part used to ascertain the voltage in a circuit. It is utilized to quantify the battery cell's inside opposition and furthermore utilized in the blending frameworks of sound and music equalizer.
Mechanical Potentiometer
There are various types of potentiometers accessible on the lookout, in that mechanical kinds are utilized for controlling physically to change the obstruction just as the yield of the gadget. Notwithstanding, a computerized potentiometer is utilized to change its opposition naturally dependent on the given state. This sort of potentiometer works precisely like a potentiometer and its obstruction can be changed through advanced correspondence, for example, SPI, I2
These potentiometers are called POT because of their POT moulded design. It incorporates three terminals like I/p, o/p, and GND alongside a handle on its zenith. This handle works like control to control the opposition by pivoting it in the two ways like clockwise in any case anticlockwise.
The fundamental downside of computerized potentiometers is that they are basically impacted by various natural factors like soil, dust, dampness, and so on To conquer these drawbacks, advanced Potentiometers (digiPOT) were executed. These potentiometers can work in conditions like residue, soil, dampness without changing their activity.
Digital Potentiometer
Advanced potentiometers are likewise called as digiPOTs or variable resistors which are utilized to control simple signs utilizing microcontrollers. These sorts of potentiometers give an o/p opposition that is alterable relying upon advanced data sources. Some of the time, these are likewise called RDACs (resistive advanced to-simple converters). The controlling of this digit should be possible by advanced signals as opposed to through mechanical development.
Each progression on the resistor stepping stool incorporates one switch which is associated with the o/p terminal of the advanced potentiometer. The proportion of the obstruction in the potentiometer is not set in stone through the picked venture over the stepping stool. By and large, these means are shown with a bit esteem, for example. 8-pieces are equivalent to 256 stages.
This potentiometer uses advanced conventions, for example, I²C in any case SPI Bus (Serial Peripheral Interface) for flagging. The greater part of these potentiometers uses basically unstable memory so they didn't recall their place whenever they are shut down and their last spot might be put away through the FPGA or microcontroller to which they are associated.
The Complete Guide to Potentiometers
Potentiometers, often referred to as "pots", are fundamental components in the realm of electrical engineering. These versatile devices play a pivotal role in controlling and measuring electrical signals, providing a dynamic interface between circuits and the physical world they interact with. From audio systems to robotics, potentiometers find their purpose in a multitude of applications, making them an indispensable asset in the field.
Potentiometer basics
Potentiometers serve as resistor-based components with a mechanical adjustment mechanism that allows manual alteration of their resistance. In contrast to fixed resistors that maintain a constant resistance value, potentiometers act as variable resistors.
These devices operate as voltage dividers, serving a dual purpose of adjusting voltage output within a circuit and accurately measuring electric potential, hence their designation as potentiometers. By adjusting the position of the wiper along the resistive element, potentiometers generate a continuously variable voltage output signal. It is important to note that potentiometers are passive components, meaning they do not necessitate a power supply or additional circuitry to operate.
The resistance of an object depends on various factors, and one key factor is its length. When all other parameters remain constant, the resistance of an object is directly proportional to its length. This means that an object made of the same material and with the same cross-sectional area, but measuring 20 centimeters in length, will exhibit half the resistance of an object measuring 40 centimeters in length. Potentiometers leverage this principle to achieve adjustable output.
The adjustable output of a potentiometer is achieved by altering the linear or rotary position of a sliding contact along a uniform resistance element, thereby modifying the path through which current flows. The input voltage is applied across the entire length of the resistive element, while the output voltage is obtained as the potential drop between the fixed resistive element and the sliding or rotating contact. The position of the movable contact along the resistive element determines the extent to which the input voltage is applied to the circuit.
It is worth noting that potentiometers are typically not employed to directly control power exceeding a watt. This limitation arises from the fact that the device itself needs to dissipate the input power, leading to the generation of excessive heat. Instead, potentiometers are utilized to adjust analog signals utilized by other components in order to regulate power. As an illustration, a basic light dimmer utilizes a potentiometer to control a TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current), which in turn varies the brightness of the light.
Potentiometer types
Potentiometers are available in two primary forms: analog and digital. This article's primary focus is on analog potentiometers which rely on mechanical elements for manipulation and control of the output. Analog potentiometers are further categorized into linear and rotary formats.
Rotary potentiometers utilize angular movement facilitated by a rotating knob and shaft that connect to a wiper element. This wiper element slides along the resistive element, allowing for changes in resistance and subsequent adjustments to the output. By turning the shaft, the resistance and output can be varied accordingly. Additionally, there are shaftless potentiometers where the wiper is moved using an external tool such as a screwdriver, eliminating the need for a physical shaft. These are commonly referred to as trimmer potentiometers or trimmers.
On the other hand, linear potentiometers employ linear or straight-line motion through a sliding mechanism to establish contact with the resistive element. This linear motion enables the variation of resistance and subsequent adjustments to the output.
In contrast to analog potentiometers, digital or electronic potentiometers rely on digital signals for controlling the output, eliminating the need for mechanical movement.
Potentiometers vs. rheostats and encoders
In essence, the primary distinction between a potentiometer and a rheostat lies in their intended applications and terminal configurations. A potentiometer is a three-terminal device primarily used for voltage control, while a rheostat is a two-terminal device designed for current control. However, it is worth noting that potentiometers can be utilized as rheostats by leaving one terminal unconnected.
In contrast, rheostats are specifically designed to regulate the flow of current within a circuit. They typically feature two terminals and are characterized by high wattage and wire-wound construction. Rheostats are commonly used in high-current applications to control current flow to devices like lamps and motors. They incorporate coils of heavy-duty wire that allow for incremental changes in resistance by adjusting the position of the slide element along the resistive element. Unlike potentiometers, rheostats are specified based on their power-handling capacity rather than their resistive value.
Potentiometer taper
Potentiometer taper refers to how the resistance changes as the armature of the device rotates or the wiper slides along the resistive element. There are two main types of potentiometer tapers: linear and logarithmic (also known as audio taper).
In potentiometers with a linear taper, the relationship between the armature position and resistance is linear. This means that when the armature or slide is at its mid-position, the variable resistance is half of the full-scale resistance of the potentiometer. Linear taper potentiometers offer a uniform change in resistance throughout their range of motion.
Logarithmic taper potentiometers provide a non-linear response that mimics the logarithmic sensitivity of the human ear to sound. This taper is commonly used in audio equipment, such as volume controls, to achieve a more balanced perception of volume adjustment. With a logarithmic taper, small changes in the early stages of rotation result in more significant changes in volume, while larger changes in the later stages of rotation produce smaller volume adjustments. Additionally, inverse logarithmic potentiometers are available, primarily used in audio controls that function in a counterclockwise fashion.
Other key specifications
Here are some other key parameters to consider when selecting a potentiometer:
Resistance: Represents the resistance across the entire length of the resistive element, from one terminal to the other. For example, if a potentiometer is rated at 2 kΩ (kilohms), it means that the resistance across its track is equivalent to a fixed resistor with a value of 2 kΩ.
Rated Power: The maximum power rating indicates the amount of power a potentiometer can handle to prevent overheating or failure.
Resolution: Refers to the accuracy of the potentiometer in terms of its incremental changes in resistance. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the total resistance and represents the smallest detectable change in resistance per incremental movement of the wiper on the resistive element.
Sliding Noise: The electronic noise generated during the movement of the potentiometer's internal contact parts. This noise can interfere with the accuracy of the desired signal or introduce unwanted artifacts.
Temperature Coefficient: Indicates how the resistance of the potentiometer may change with variations in operating temperature. Potentiometers with lower temperature coefficients offer more stable resistance values over a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent performance in different thermal conditions.
Mechanical Life: The expected lifespan of the potentiometer in terms of the number of cycles it can endure while maintaining its performance specifications.
Potentiometers are used throughout many industries for a whole host of applications. They can be used in;
Motorsport
Automotive
Medical
Agriculture
Entertainment
Transport
Industrial
Here are some examples we have come across in our years in the industry:
Motorsport Applications – Motorsport is a very popular industry for potentiometer use, both rotary and linear potentiometers are used to monitor aspects including; ride height, steering angle measurement, gearshift, suspension and throttle control on either 2- or 4-wheel vehicles.
Steering Systems – On agricultural machinery, heavy-duty machinery and some marine vehicles, linear potentiometers and rotary potentiometers have been used for precise measurement and angle sensing in steering systems.
Professional Mountain Bikes – Our Linear Potentiometers have been selected for measuring suspension-fork and absorbing frame shock.
Special Effects in Film – A rarer application we are approached for; did you know potentiometers are used in film production? Particularly in special effects! Our potentiometers have been used in many big movies over the past few years.
Public Transport ticket barriers – Rotary potentiometers are used on ticket barriers, particularly the ones in the style of the London underground. They are used to ensure the gate is open at the right angles for the correct amount of time.
Ramps and Moving Bridges – When a moving bridge or ramp needs to be positioned precisely, a potentiometer can be used to ensure it is in the correct position.
Construction of a Potentiometer
TA potentiometer comprises a long wire with a uniform space of the cross area. Normally the wire is comprised of manganin or constantan. Sometimes the wire might be cut into certain pieces and each piece is associated toward the end focuses through a thick metallic strip. Typically it will be copper strips. Each piece of wire has a length of one meter. For the most part, there will be six bits of wire and the all-out length of the wire is six meters. For the most part the length of the wire shifts from 4 m to 10 m. The more the length of the wire, the better the precision of the potentiometer.
The potentiometer comprises a driving circuit that comprises a battery, key and rheostat. It additionally comprises a galvanometer and a rider. The end focuses or the terminals of the potentiometer are associated with the focuses where the potential contrast is to be estimated.
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FAQ
Q: What is a potentiometer used for?
Q: What is a potentiometer for dummies?
Q: What is difference between voltmeter and potentiometer?
Q: Is a potentiometer a transformer?
Q: How do I know what potentiometer to use?
Q: Do potentiometers control voltage or current?
Q: How do you use a potentiometer in a circuit?
Q: Is potentiometer a sensor?
Q: Why do we use potentiometer instead of voltmeter?
Q: Why do potentiometers have 3 pins?
Q: Is a potentiometer just a resistor?
Q: What device has a potentiometer?
Q: How do you read a potentiometer with a multimeter?
Q: Does potentiometer have polarity?
Q: Does potentiometer direction matter?
Q: What is another name for a potentiometer?
Q: What is the difference between A and B potentiometers?
Q: Can a DC motor be controlled with a potentiometer?
Q: What is the color code for potentiometer wiring?
Q: Does a potentiometer produce a digital signal?