potensiometreillä

Potentiometreillä, commonly known as potentiometers, are three-terminal resistors with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. This means that by moving the wiper, one can vary the resistance between the wiper and the other two terminals, thereby controlling the voltage output. Potentiometers are passive electronic components and are used in a wide variety of applications where manual adjustment of an electrical parameter is required.

The core of a potentiometer consists of a resistive element, typically made of carbon composite, cermet, or conductive plastic, and a movable contact, called a wiper, that slides along this element. As the wiper moves, it changes the length of the resistive path from one end terminal to the wiper, altering the resistance and thus the voltage division. The two outer terminals are connected to the ends of the resistive element, and the wiper terminal provides the adjustable output.

Potentiometers come in various forms, including rotary, linear (slider), and thumbwheel types, each suited for different control interfaces. Rotary potentiometers are common in volume controls and tuning knobs, while linear potentiometers are found in faders for audio mixing consoles or as position sensors. The resistance value, power rating, and taper (linear or logarithmic) are important specifications when selecting a potentiometer for a particular use. Linear potentiometers have a constant rate of resistance change along their travel, while logarithmic potentiometers have a resistance that changes exponentially, which is useful for audio applications to match human perception of loudness.