Schiebepotentiometer

A Schiebepotentiometer, known in English as a sliding potentiometer, is a passive electronic component that provides a variable resistance as a slider moves along a resistive track. It acts as a linear voltage divider with two fixed end terminals and a movable wiper that taps the resistance at the slider position.

Construction and form: The device consists of a resistive element on a substrate (commonly carbon film, cermet, or conductive plastic) and a contact carrier (the wiper) that slides along the element inside a housing. Many models are single-gang for one channel; stereo variants employ two tracks in parallel. Travel is typically a few millimeters to several centimeters.

Operation and electrical characteristics: As the slider moves, the resistance between the wiper and each end changes, producing a variable output voltage in a circuit. Tapers may be linear (constant slope) or logarithmic (audio-grade). Electrical end-to-end resistance is specified (for example, 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 50 kΩ, etc.). The mechanical life depends on wear of the contact and the track; contamination and vibration can affect performance.

Applications: Schiebepotentiometers are used as user controls in audio equipment (volume faders, balance), musical instruments, mixing consoles, lighting control, and industrial equipment. They are favored for intuitive manual adjustment and robustness in panel installations. Sealed variants are used in dirty or humid environments.

Variations and related devices: They come in single-gang or multi-gang configurations, with various shaft orientations and mounting options. They are related to other potentiometer types, including rotary potentiometers and digital potentiometers, with the latter offering electronic control rather than a mechanical slider.