brands

attributes.Maximum_Resistance

attributes.Potentiometer_Type

attributes.Product_Type

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

attributes.Toleranceplusminus

Apem SN 10kΩ Linear T-Bar Fader Panel Mount, SN101SB

Apem SN 10kΩ Linear T-Bar Fader Panel Mount, SN104SB

Arcol Ohmite Linear Potentiometer, CMU5021E


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/)



Potentiometers

Variable Resistors

Passive Components

1228569899

1370019343

1492797549

1805640584

1872595187

1950438482

2099506070

2911534392

2972144945

3089561311

3702440375

3893962904

3999174723

4084450865

482906937

595160564

607105215

630592386

1337321341

1713511683

1953764780

2212326362

245755136

2694081498

2854130884

3031041232

3479376779

3537785963

3606191116

3676807775

3694170890

3696367266

3871454867

3980878867

4239710393

730636658

Development Tools & Single Board Computers

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK, STEM Education & Development Tools

Electronic Components, Power & Connectors

Engineering Materials & Industrial Hardware

Pneumatic Counters, Logic Controllers & Timers

Electronics Cleaners & Protective Coatings

Linear Potentiometers

103 Products showing for Linear Potentiometers

Popular Searches

Related links