IDEAL INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
POTENTIOMETER
NAME: ENOCH GAJMER
SEM: 4TH
ROLL NO: 27901624028
SUBJECT: ELECTRICAL&ELECTRONICS MEASUREMENT
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEEGING
SUBJECT CODE: PC-EE-403
CA-2
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
CONSTRUCTION&WORKING
PRINCIPLE
TYPES OF POTENTIOMETER
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
APPLICATION
CONCLUSION
Introduction
A potentiometer is an adjustable electrical
resistor used to control voltage and
current in electronic circuits. It functions
as a variable voltage divider and is
commonly used in applications such as
volume controls, sensors, and circuit
tuning.
It is a variable resistor with three terminals
that controls voltage in an electrical circuit
.It can be used to measure voltage, adjust
volume, or control speed.
Construction & Working Principle
A potentiometer consists of: resistive
element (usually carbon, wire-wound,
or conductive plastic)Three terminals
(two fixed ends and a sliding contact)
Wiper (sliding contact) that moves
along the resistive element to change
resistance and voltage output
The working principle is based on
voltage division:
The input voltage is applied across the
fixed terminals.
The output voltage is taken from the
wiper, which moves to different
positions, changing the resistance ratio
and voltage.
Adjusting the wiper’s position changes
the resistance between the wiper and
each end terminal.
This change the output voltage.
Types of Potentiometers
Potentiometers are classified based on
their design and application:
i) Rotary Potentiometer: Adjusted by
rotating a knob; used in audio controls.
ii) Linear Potentiometer: it is a position
sensor used to measure displacement
and adjusted by sliding a lever; found
in mixing consoles.
iii) Digital Potentiometer: It is built
either from ladder ladder integrated
circuit which are electronically
controlled; used in digital circuits.
iv) Precision Potentiometer: It is
designed for monitoring and control
applications where high accuracy;
used in calibration devices.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages:
✔️ Simple and inexpensive
✔️ Adjustable and reusable
✔️ Precise voltage control
Disadvantages:
❌ Mechanical wear over time
❌ Limited lifespan compared to digital
alternatives
❌ Sensitive to environmental conditions like
dust and temperature
Applications
Volume and tone control in audio
devices
Position sensors in robotics
Tuning circuits in radios and
televisions
Voltage regulation in power supplies
Industrial control systems for
automation
Conclusion
Potentiometers are essential components
in electrical and electronic systems,
offering simple yet effective control over
voltage and current. Their applications
range from everyday consumer
electronics to industrial automation.
However, advancements in digital
technology are gradually replacing
mechanical potentiometers in precision
applications.
