Potentiometers and trimmers
What are potentiometers
A potentiometer, also know as a rheostat, is a simple electromechanical transducer that can convert the rotary or linear motion into a change in resistance.
The potentiometer is thus an electrical device equivalent to a variable resistive voltage divider, in fact the potentiometer is also called a “variable resistance” potentiometer.
Potentiometers can be used as a simple variable resistances, and also to regulate small signals or small voltages.
The main types on the market are rotary, sled (or linear) and logarithmic potentiometers: the operation is the same, but with real differences on accuracy and physical size.
A potentiometer uses three terminals:
- - The first is connected to the power source;
- - The second is connected to a ground, a point without voltage or resistance that serves as a neutral reference point;
- - The third runs on a strip of resistive material.
What are trimmers
Trimmers perform a similar function, but are generally used less continuously, through occasional adjustment in the relative circuit.
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