Potentiometreillä

Potentiometreillä, often shortened to potentiometers, are variable resistors. They are a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. This means they can be used to control voltage levels in an electronic circuit. The resistive element is typically made of a resistive wire or a resistive film. The slider or wiper moves along this element, changing the resistance between the wiper terminal and the two end terminals.

The primary function of a potentiometer is to provide a variable resistance. This variability allows for the adjustment of electrical signals, such as audio volume in stereos, brightness of lights, or speed of motors. In a voltage divider configuration, the output voltage is a fraction of the input voltage, and this fraction can be controlled by the position of the wiper. For example, if the potentiometer is connected across a power supply, the voltage at the wiper terminal can be varied from zero to the full supply voltage.

Potentiometers come in various forms, including rotary and linear types. Rotary potentiometers have a shaft that is turned to adjust the resistance, while linear potentiometers have a slider that moves along a straight track. They are commonly used in applications where manual control is required. Their simplicity and relatively low cost make them a popular choice for many electronic designs. However, they can be susceptible to wear and tear with frequent use, which can lead to intermittent connections or increased resistance.