Potentiometers

A potentiometer is an adjustable three-terminal resistor whose resistance between the center terminal and the outer terminals changes as the shaft is turned; in industrial panels it is used to give a device a manually set value. A typical use is connecting it to the analog input of frequency inverters so that motor speed can be adjusted from the panel door. This category mostly comprises two subgroups: analog potentiometers with a 22 mm mounting diameter and resistance values such as 1 kΩ, 5 kΩ and 10 kΩ, and digital potentiometers that are set with buttons and give a 0-10 V or 4-20 mA analog output. Select the potentiometer by the analog input of the device it will be connected to; for the analog model, resistance value, number of turns and mounting diameter are decisive, and for the digital model, output signal, supply voltage and communication are decisive. For the resistance value, the value required in the drive manual should be taken as the basis. An analog potentiometer is a passive element and takes its reference voltage from the device it is connected to, whereas a digital potentiometer works from its own supply and generates the output signal itself. Enda, EMAS, Tense and Isıso are among the brands listed in this category.

Products

How to choose Potentiometers

A potentiometer is an adjustable three-terminal resistor whose resistance between the center terminal and the outer terminals changes as the shaft is turned; in industrial panels it is used to give a device a manually set value. A typical use is connecting it to the analog input of frequency inverters so that motor speed can be adjusted from the panel door.

  • Separate sensing, motion control, logic processing and operator interface requirements.
  • Select signal type, supply voltage, communication protocol and I/O count for the machine network.
  • Verify housing size, sensing distance and PNP/NPN output polarity against the PLC input card.

Frequently asked questions

What is Potentiometers and where is it used?

A potentiometer is an adjustable three-terminal resistor whose resistance between the center terminal and the outer terminals changes as the shaft is turned; in industrial panels it is used to give a device a manually set value. A typical use is connecting it to the analog input of frequency inverters so that motor speed can be adjusted from the panel door.

What should I compare when choosing Potentiometers?

Select the potentiometer by the analog input of the device it will be connected to; for the analog model, resistance value, number of turns and mounting diameter are decisive, and for the digital model, output signal, supply voltage and communication are decisive.

Which product groups are available under Potentiometers?

The current subcategories include Analog Potentiometers, Digital Potentiometers. Open a subcategory to compare its products and technical details.

Potentiometers Selection Guide