Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Category Introduction

A rotary potentiometer (Pot) is a three-terminal device that employs a resistive element and a rotating contact to form an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used, one end of the element and the adjustable contact, it acts as a variable resistor or rheostat. Potentiometers are selected by the resistance value of the element, degree of rotation/number of turns, linear or logarithmic taper, power dissipation, number of ganged elements, resistive material and termination style. Some have built-in switch contacts.

Product List

10085 Items

Mfr Part #	Quantity Available	UnitPrice	Series	Packaging	Product Status	Resistance (Ohms)	Tolerance	Power (Watts)	Built in Switch	Number of Turns	Features	Taper	Number of Gangs	Adjustment Type	Temperature Coefficient	Rotation	Resistive Material	Termination Style	Actuator Type	Actuator Length	Actuator Diameter	Bushing Thread	Mounting Type
P0915N-FC15BR10K POT 10K OHM 1/20W PLASTIC LINEAR TT Electronics/BI	331	$2.21	P09x	Tray	Active	10k	±20%	0.05W, 1/20W	None	1	-	Linear	1	Top Adjustment	-	300°	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins, Board Locks	Flatted	0.591" (15.00mm)	0.236" (6.00mm)	M7 x 0.75	Panel Mount
P091S-FC20BR10K POT 10K OHM 1/20W PLASTIC LINEAR TT Electronics/BI	24	$2.34	P09x	Tray	Active	10k	±20%	0.05W, 1/20W	Rotary, SPST	1	-	Linear	1	Side Adjustment	-	300°	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins, Board Locks	Flatted	0.787" (20.00mm)	0.236" (6.00mm)	M7 x 0.75	Panel Mount
3310Y-001-103L POT 10K OHM 1/4W PLASTIC LINEAR Bourns Inc.	122	$3.53	Pro Audio 3310	Tube	Active	10k	±20%	0.25W, 1/4W	None	1	Sealed	Linear	1	Top Adjustment	±1000ppm/°C	300°	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins	Slotted	0.500" (12.70mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	1/4-32	Panel Mount
3310C-001-502L POT 5K OHM 1/4W PLASTIC LINEAR Bourns Inc.	218	$3.61	Pro Audio 3310	Bulk	Active	5k	±20%	0.25W, 1/4W	None	1	Sealed	Linear	1	Side Adjustment	±1000ppm/°C	300°	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins	Slotted	0.500" (12.70mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	1/4-32	Panel Mount
3310C-001-503L POT 50K OHM 1/4W PLASTIC LINEAR Bourns Inc.	260	$3.52	Pro Audio 3310	Bulk	Active	50k	±20%	0.25W, 1/4W	None	1	Sealed	Linear	1	Side Adjustment	±1000ppm/°C	300°	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins	Slotted	0.500" (12.70mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	1/4-32	Panel Mount
PCW1J-B24-BAB103L POT 10K OHM 3/4W PLASTIC LINEAR Bourns Inc.	102	$6.92	PC-Slimline	Tray	Active	10k	±20%	0.75W, 3/4W	None	1	-	Linear	1	Top Adjustment	±1000ppm/°C	300°	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins	Slotted	0.750" (19.05mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	M9 x 0.75	Panel Mount
450T328F103A1C1 POT 10K OHM 1/2W CARBON LINEAR CTS Electrocomponents	112	$7.42	450	Bulk	Active	10k	±10%	0.5W, 1/2W	Rotary, SPST	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	320°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Flatted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
91A1A-B28-B15L POT 10K OHM 1W PLASTIC LINEAR Bourns Inc.	47	$8.05	91	Bulk	Active	10k	±20%	1W	None	1	-	Linear	1	Side Adjustment	±1000ppm/°C	300°	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
3852A-282-502AL POT 5K OHM 2W CERMET LINEAR Bourns Inc.	46	$13.87	3852	Bulk	Active	5k	±10%	2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	±150ppm/°C	280°	Cermet	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
JC10-000-502N POT 5K OHM 1/8W PLASTIC LINEAR Nidec Copal Electronics	30	$13.59	JC10	Bulk	Active	5k	±20%	0.125W, 1/8W	None	1	Long Life	Linear	1	Top Adjustment	±400ppm/°C	Continuous	Conductive Plastic	PC Pins	Slotted	0.591" (15.00mm)	0.118" (3.00mm)	M6 x 0.75	Panel Mount
026TB32R103B1A1 POT 10K OHM 5W WIREWOUND LINEAR CTS Electrocomponents	61	$15.49	026	Bulk	Active	10k	±20%	5W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	300°	Wirewound	Solder Lug	Round	1.000" (25.40mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
RV6NAYSD103A POT 10K OHM 1/2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	7	$17.84	RV6	Bulk	Active	10k	±10%	0.5W, 1/2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	295°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	1/4-32	Panel Mount
RV6NAYSD102A POT 1K OHM 1/2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	28	$17.74	RV6	Bulk	Active	1k	±10%	0.5W, 1/2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	295°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	1/4-32	Panel Mount
RV6NAYSD502A POT 5K OHM 1/2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	10	$18.09	RV6	Bulk	Active	5k	±10%	0.5W, 1/2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	295°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	1/4-32	Panel Mount
RV4NAYSD103A POT 10K OHM 2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	39	$17.94	RV4	Bulk	Active	10k	±10%	2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	314°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.249" (6.32mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
RV4NAYSD502A POT 5K OHM 2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	34	$18.10	RV4	Bulk	Active	5k	±10%	2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	314°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.249" (6.32mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
RV4NAYSD501A POT 500 OHM 2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	11	$17.85	RV4	Bulk	Active	500	±10%	2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	314°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.249" (6.32mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
RV4NAYSD102A POT 1K OHM 2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	44	$18.14	RV4	Bulk	Active	1k	±10%	2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	314°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.249" (6.32mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
RV4NAYSD252A POT 2.5K OHM 2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	12	$17.79	RV4	Bulk	Active	2.5k	±10%	2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	314°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.249" (6.32mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount
RV4NAYSD104A POT 100K OHM 2W CARBON LINEAR Precision Electronics Corporation	33	$17.72	RV4	Bulk	Active	100k	±10%	2W	None	1	-	Linear	1	User Defined	-	314°	Carbon	Solder Lug	Slotted	0.875" (22.23mm)	0.249" (6.32mm)	3/8-32	Panel Mount

About Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

What are Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats?

Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Rotary potentiometers and rheostats are essential components in the field of electronics, serving as variable resistors that allow for the adjustment of electrical resistance in a circuit. These devices operate on the principle of a sliding contact (wiper) that moves over a resistive element. As the wiper rotates, it changes the resistance between the wiper and the terminals, thereby controlling the flow of current. This ability to vary resistance makes them invaluable for tasks such as adjusting volume, tuning circuits, and controlling light intensity.

Types of Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Linear Taper Potentiometers

Linear taper potentiometers provide a direct relationship between the angle of rotation and the resistance change. They are commonly used in applications where a linear response is required, such as in audio mixing consoles and light dimmers.

Logarithmic Taper Potentiometers

Logarithmic taper potentiometers, also known as audio taper pots, are designed to mimic the human ear's response to sound. They are primarily used in audio equipment to control volume levels, providing a more natural sound adjustment.

Multi-turn Potentiometers

Multi-turn potentiometers offer greater precision by allowing multiple rotations of the wiper. These are ideal for applications requiring fine adjustments, such as in calibration equipment and precision tuning devices.

Rheostats

Rheostats are typically used for high-power applications and are often larger than standard potentiometers. They are used to control current flow in applications such as motor speed control and heater regulation.

How to choose Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats?

When selecting rotary potentiometers or rheostats, consider the following key parameters:

Resistance Value: Choose a resistance value that matches your circuit requirements.
Power Rating: Ensure the device can handle the power levels in your application to prevent overheating.
Taper Type: Select between linear or logarithmic taper based on the desired response curve.
Size and Form Factor: Consider the physical dimensions to ensure compatibility with your design.
Durability and Lifespan: Evaluate the quality and reliability by reviewing supplier specifications and customer reviews.
Environmental Factors: Consider the operating environment, such as temperature and humidity, to choose a device with appropriate protection ratings.

By carefully evaluating these parameters, you can select a potentiometer or rheostat that meets your specific needs and ensures reliable performance in your application.

Applications of Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Consumer Electronics

In consumer electronics, rotary potentiometers are widely used in devices such as radios, televisions, and audio equipment to control volume, tone, and balance settings. Their ability to provide smooth and precise adjustments makes them ideal for enhancing user experience.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, these components are used in dashboard controls, such as for adjusting the brightness of instrument panels and controlling climate settings. Rheostats are also employed in headlight dimming systems.

Industrial Automation

Rotary potentiometers and rheostats play a crucial role in industrial automation, where they are used to control motor speeds, adjust conveyor belt speeds, and fine-tune machinery settings for optimal performance.

Medical Equipment

In medical devices, these components are used for precise control of parameters such as volume in hearing aids, intensity in imaging equipment, and calibration in diagnostic tools.

Telecommunications

In telecommunications, rotary potentiometers are used to adjust signal levels, tune frequencies, and control gain in various communication devices, ensuring clear and reliable signal transmission.

Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Category Introduction

Product List

P0915N-FC15BR10K

P091S-FC20BR10K

3310Y-001-103L

3310C-001-502L

3310C-001-503L

PCW1J-B24-BAB103L

450T328F103A1C1

91A1A-B28-B15L

3852A-282-502AL

JC10-000-502N

026TB32R103B1A1

RV6NAYSD103A

RV6NAYSD102A

RV6NAYSD502A

RV4NAYSD103A

RV4NAYSD502A

RV4NAYSD501A

RV4NAYSD102A

RV4NAYSD252A

RV4NAYSD104A

About Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

What are Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats?

Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Types of Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Linear Taper Potentiometers

Logarithmic Taper Potentiometers

Multi-turn Potentiometers

Rheostats

How to choose Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats?

Applications of Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Consumer Electronics

Automotive Industry

Industrial Automation

Medical Equipment

Telecommunications