potenciálmér

A potenciálmér, often translated as a potential meter or potentiometer, is an electrical component used to control voltage. It consists of a resistive element with a sliding or rotating contact called a wiper. As the wiper moves along the resistive element, it changes the resistance between the wiper and one of the terminals, thus altering the output voltage. This makes it a variable resistor.

Potentiometers are commonly used as volume controls in audio equipment, where they adjust the signal strength. They can also be found in dimmer switches for lighting, where they control the brightness by varying the voltage supplied to the light source. In scientific instruments and control systems, potentiometers serve as position sensors, converting mechanical displacement into a corresponding voltage signal.

There are several types of potentiometers, including rotary potentiometers, which have a knob that is turned, and linear potentiometers, where the wiper moves along a straight track. The resistive element can be made from various materials, such as carbon, cermet, or wirewound. The choice of material affects the potentiometer's linearity, power handling capabilities, and lifespan. Potentiometers are passive components, meaning they do not require an external power source to operate, although they do require a voltage source to produce a variable output voltage.