A potentiometer is a passive electronic component. which acts as a variable resistor, limiting the passage of electric current and thus causing a voltage drop between the plates, with the difference that it can change the value and voltage of it only by changing the value of its resistor.

This can be manually adjusted to set the desired amount, using three different terminals in low current circuits, since in higher current circuits rheostats are used.

The device is often used to adjust the volume on loudspeakers, or to control the brightness and certain settings on a television.

Value of a potentiometer

The value of this component is expressed in ohms, whose symbol is Ω, and it is always the maximum resistance that it can have. For example, a potentiometer with 10 KΩ, can have a resistance of between 0Ω and 10,000Ω.

When buying a potentiometer, it is important to take into account how and with what material it is created, as many of its characteristics will depend on this; these can be either printed or wound.

The printed are those that are created with a carbon or cermet track on a backing of die-cut paper, fiberglass, Bakelite, and many other available materials. The former has contacts on both sides and a slider connected to a skid.

The printed are those that are created with a carbon or cermet track on a backing of die-cut paper, fiberglass, Bakelite, and many other available materials. The former has contacts on both sides and a slider connected to a skid.

Due to the number of differences between potentiometers, depending on factors such as the material they are made of or the variation in their resistance, we can find a great variety of styles and models.

According to its application:

Of control

These are those that are accompanied by a knob for the adjustment and control of certain characteristics. They are usually used to control the voltage in electronic devices; for example, the volume of a loudspeaker.

Swivels

These potentiometers are controlled by turning its shaft, and are the most demanded in the industry because they are long lasting and use little space. In addition, they are mainly used for small current circuits.

Sliders

In this type of device, the cursor travel is straight, and they are generally used in graphic equalizers, since the position of the cursors represents the response of the equalizer. They are much more fragile than rotary ones and take up more space.

Adjustment

The adjustment potentiometers are in charge of controlling the voltage through the factory presetting, depriving the user of having to configure it later. Their general models are both encapsulated and capsule-less.

The adjustment potentiometers are in charge of controlling the voltage through the factory presetting, depriving the user of having to configure it later. Their general models are both encapsulated and capsule-less.

Linear

The resistance they exert is directly proportional to the angle of rotation, and they are designated with a B according to current regulations.

Logarithmic

In them, the resistance depends logarithmically on the angle of rotation, being denominated with the letter A in the current regulations.

These potentiometers have an asymmetrical way of behaving, being perfect for audio devices. At the beginning, they suffer a very slight increase in resistance, until reaching a point where the increase will be much greater.

These potentiometers have an asymmetrical way of behaving, being perfect for audio devices. At the beginning, they suffer a very slight increase in resistance, until reaching a point where the increase will be much greater.

In these, the resistance is proportional to the sine of the angle of rotation. With two solid sine potentiometers rotated 90º, we will collect the sine and cosine of the angle of rotation.

Digital potentiometers

These potentiometers, consisting of an integrated circuit and a resistive divider, are used to replace the mechanical ones recreating their behavior in order to avoid the problems that were associated with the former.

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