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attributes.Maximum_Resistance

attributes.Potentiometer_Type

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attributes.Number_of_Turns

attributes.Number_of_Gangs

attributes.Shaft_Diameter

attributes.Mounting_Type

attributes.Packaging

attributes.Power_Rating

attributes.Electrical_Taper

attributes.Mounting_Hole_Diameter

attributes.Element_Material

attributes.MountType

attributes.Termination_Style

attributes.Tolerance

attributes.Series

attributes.Shaft_Length

attributes.AdjustmentType

attributes.Length

attributes.Minimum_Operating_Temperature

attributes.Pin_Count

attributes.Depth

attributes.Maximum_Operating_Temperature

attributes.Shaft_Type

attributes.Height

attributes.StandardsApprovals

attributes.Travel_Length

attributes.Actuator_Type

attributes.Better_World_Claim

attributes.Better_World_Product

attributes.Better_World_Verification

attributes.Dimensions

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Alps Alpine RK11K 100kΩ Rotary Carbon Film Potentiometer, Panel Mount (Through Hole), RK11K1140A72

Alps Alpine RK27 10kΩ Rotary Carbon Film Potentiometer, Panel Mount (Through Hole), RK27112A00A5

Alps Alpine RK27 50kΩ Rotary Carbon Film Potentiometer, Panel Mount (Through Hole), RK27112A00CF


A potentiometer is a variable resistor. Potentiometers enable you to regulate and change the current flowing through a circuit. Potentiometers can also be called pots or potmeters. You can learn more in our complete [guide to potentiometers](/web/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice/potentiometers-guide).

Potentiometers have two terminals that are fixed to a resistive element (the track). The resistive element is typically wirewound or made from carbon, cermet or conductive plastic. The third terminal is connected to the wiper, which is a sliding contact. As the wiper moves along the track, the resistance changes and the current flowing through the circuit changes.

### Types of potentiometer

**Rotary potentiometers** are easily controlled by turning a spindle or a knob. Rotary potentiometers can be single turn or multiturn.

**Slide potentiometers** are also known as slider potentiometers or fader potentiometers. To use a slide potentiometer, it's simply a case of sliding a fader along a straight track to change the resistance.

**Trimmer potentiometers**, sometimes called trimpots, are used to calibrate and fine-tune circuits and can be mounted straight onto a PCB (printed circuit board). Trimmer potentiometers are easy to adjust with a screwdriver.

**String potentiometers** (or string pots) take movement and transform it into an electrical signal.

**Membrane potentiometers** are completely flat. Membrane potentiometers change their resistance when pressure is applied to the membrane.

### Do I need a potentiometer with a linear or logarithmic taper?

The taper you need for your potentiometer depends on the intended application.

For potentiometers with a linear taper, the resistance between one end of the track and the wiper varies at a constant rate. If you turn the potentiometer halfway or slide the fader halfway along the track, the resistance will be half of the total resistance. Linear taper potentiometers are typically used in applications such as light dimmer switches.

For logarithmic taper potentiometers, the resistance does not vary at a constant rate. The level of resistance moves exponentially up or down. A potentiometer that has been turned or moved halfway along its track, will not produce resistance that is half the total resistance. Logarithmic potentiometers are commonly used for audio applications.

### What is the difference between a potentiometer and a rheostat?

The key difference is the number of terminals that each device has. Potentiometers have three terminals while rheostats only have two terminals.

### Looking for peripherals for your potentiometer?

[Potentiometer Knobs](/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometer-knobs/)[Potentiometer Accessories](/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometer-accessories/)[Potentiometer Mounting Nuts](/web/c/passive-components/variable-resistors/potentiometer-mounting-nuts/)



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1492797549

1805640584

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245755136

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Bourns PTS 10kΩ Slide Slide Potentiometer 1-Gang Through Hole, PTS01-11L-103B2

Bourns PTF 100kΩ Slide Slide Potentiometer 2-Gang Through Hole, PTF01-082T-104B2

Vishay P13SM 1kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount, P13SMNFGS102MA

Bourns 91 25kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount, 91A1A-B28-B17L

Bourns PDA24 500kΩ Rotary Potentiometer 1-Gang Panel Mount, PDA241-HRT02-504A2

Alpine Potentiometers

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