potentiomõõtur

A potentiomõõtur, also known as a potentiometer, is a three-terminal electronic component with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. It is essentially a variable resistor. The main body of a potentiometer is a resistive element, and a third terminal, called the wiper, makes contact with this resistive element. As the wiper moves along the resistive element, it changes the resistance between the wiper and the two end terminals. This allows the user to adjust the output voltage from the potentiometer.

Potentiometers are commonly used for a variety of applications. They serve as manual controls in electronic devices, such as volume controls in audio equipment, brightness controls in displays, and position sensors. In some cases, potentiometers are used as variable resistors rather than voltage dividers. In this configuration, only two terminals are used: one end terminal and the wiper. The resistance between these two terminals can be adjusted by moving the wiper.

The construction of a potentiometer varies depending on its application. Common types include rotary potentiometers, which are adjusted by rotating a knob, and linear or slide potentiometers, which are adjusted by sliding a contact along a straight resistive element. The resistive element can be made from various materials, including carbon, cermet, or conductive plastic. The accuracy and resolution of a potentiometer depend on its design and the quality of its components. They are a fundamental component in many electronic circuits, providing a simple and effective way to control or measure voltage and resistance.