Diagram Of A Potentiometer
What is a Potentiometer and how do they work?
Potentiometers allow for variable resistance at the turn of a knob. A metal wiper moves along a resistive track between the wiper terminal and output terminal, increasing or decreasing resistance as it moves.
The inner mechanisms of a Potentiometer:
Wiper: Makes an electrical connection between the left or right terminal and the center terminal.
Shaft: Connected to the wiper, it moves the wiper along the resistive track.
Shaft Attachment: Point where the shaft connects to the wiper.
Resistive Track: Resistive material that connects the left and right terminals.
Left and Right Terminals: Connected to either side of the resistive track.
Stop: Prevents rotation past endpoints.
Wiper Terminal: Connected to the internal metal wiper.
Want to learn more about Potentiometers? Read the following TTI Blog
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