Summary and analysis of basic knowledge on packaging types and pin connections of adjustable potentiometers
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Update：2025/1/21 11:15:54
Summary and analysis of basic knowledge on packaging types and pin connections of adjustable potentiometers
Adjustable potentiometer is an adjustable electronic component consisting of a body and a rotating or sliding system. Common types include DIP potentiometer packaging, plug-in potentiometer packaging, and SMD potentiometer packaging. Regardless of the packaging type of the potentiometer, we can analyze it based on its resolution, compliance, and mechanical lifespan parameters. Of course, the connection method of adjustable potentiometers is not as simple as we imagine, and requires certain skills and methods. Below, let's take a look at the basic knowledge of adjustable potentiometers, summarized and analyzed as follows:
There are only a few common types of packaging for adjustable potentiometers, and we should consider their resolution, compliance, and mechanical lifespan from these aspects.
1、 Resolution of adjustable potentiometer: The general resolution is determined by the theoretical accuracy of the potentiometer packaging.
For wire wound potentiometers and linear potentiometers, resolution is expressed as the percentage of the resistance change caused by each turn of the moving contact on the winding to the total resistance.
So for potentiometers with functional characteristics, the resistance of each turn on the winding is different, which is a variable for resolution.
At this time, the resolution of an adjustable potentiometer generally refers to the average resolution of the section with the highest slope on the function characteristic curve.
2、 Conformity of adjustable potentiometer: Conformity, also known as conformity, mainly refers to the degree of conformity between the actual output function characteristics of the potentiometer and the required theoretical function characteristics.
It is expressed as a percentage of the total applied voltage based on the maximum deviation between theoretical and practical characteristics, which can represent the accuracy of the adjustable potentiometer.
3、The mechanical life of an adjustable potentiometer: The mechanical life of an adjustable potentiometer after packaging is also known as wear life, commonly expressed as mechanical durability.
Mechanical durability generally refers to the total number of reliable movements of the moving contact of a potentiometer under specified test conditions, commonly expressed as "cycle".
The mechanical lifespan is related to the structure, type, material, and manufacturing process of the potentiometer, so there are generally significant differences.
Features of adjustable potentiometer:
The structural characteristics of an adjustable potentiometer - The resistor body of an adjustable potentiometer has two fixed ends. By manually adjusting the shaft or sliding handle, the position of the moving contact on the resistor body is changed, which changes the resistance value between the moving contact and either fixed end, thereby changing the magnitude of voltage and current.
The function of adjustable potentiometer:
1. Used as a current controller
When an adjustable potentiometer is used as a current controller, one of the selected current output terminals must be a sliding contact lead out terminal.
2. Used as a variable resistor
When an adjustable potentiometer is used as a variable resistor, it should be connected as a two terminal device, so that a smooth and continuous resistance value can be obtained within the range of the potentiometer's stroke.
3. Used as a voltage divider
An adjustable potentiometer is a continuously adjustable resistor, and when the handle or slider of the potentiometer is adjusted, the moving contact slides on the resistor body. At this point, the output terminal of the adjustable potentiometer can obtain an output voltage that is related to the applied voltage of the potentiometer and the angle or stroke of the movable arm.
Pin connection of adjustable potentiometer:
1、 If the center contact C of the chip adjustable potentiometer slides to the A end of the potentiometer, the output to ground voltage is+12V. When the center contact C of the potentiometer slides to the B end of the potentiometer, the output to ground voltage is -12V.
2、 The connection method of audio amplifier for volume control is that the volume is highest when the center contact C of the patch adjustable potentiometer slides to potentiometer A, and the volume is lowest when the center contact C of the patch adjustable potentiometer slides to potentiometer B. When there is poor contact between point C and point B, the volume cannot be turned off.
Huayi Electronics has been focusing on adjustable potentiometers for 20 years. Only by understanding the basic knowledge of potentiometers can one operate them proficiently. We hope this will be helpful to everyone.
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