Thumbwheel Potentiometers

Category Introduction

Thumbwheel potentiometers allow for manual adjustment of an in-circuit resistance value. Also known as thumbwheel trim pots, they are available in side or top adjustment and include a tactile edge on the actuator for human interaction and position indication. They range in value from 10Ω to 5MΩ of resistance and 5% to 30% of value tolerance in surface and through hole mounting configurations.

Product List

372 Items
PDF Mfr Part # Quantity
Available
UnitPrice RFQ Series Packaging Product StatusResistancePower (Watts)ToleranceNumber of TurnsAdjustment TypeSize / DimensionTerminationMounting Type
3352T-1-104LF
3352T-1-104LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 100K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
86 $2.46
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active100 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352T-1-503LF
3352T-1-503LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 50K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
250 $2.47
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active50 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
91AR1KLF
91AR1KLF
THUMBWHEEL POT 1K OHM 0.5W TOP
TT Electronics/BI
462 $1.98
91 Bulk Active1 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.375" Dia x 0.200" H (9.53mm x 5.08mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
91AR25KLF
91AR25KLF
THUMBWHEEL POT 25K OHM 0.5W TOP
TT Electronics/BI
88 $2.01
91 Bulk Active25 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.375" Dia x 0.200" H (9.53mm x 5.08mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
91AR100KLF
91AR100KLF
THUMBWHEEL POT 100K OHM 0.5W TOP
TT Electronics/BI
462 $1.99
91 Bulk Active100 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.375" Dia x 0.200" H (9.53mm x 5.08mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352T-1-203LF
3352T-1-203LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 20K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
64 $2.46
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active20 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352T-1-502LF
3352T-1-502LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 5K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
220 $2.50
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active5 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352T-1-254LF
3352T-1-254LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 250K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
387 $2.45
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active250 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352P-1-103LF
3352P-1-103LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 10K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
155 $2.45
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active10 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.210" H (8.89mm x 5.33mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352E-1-103LF
3352E-1-103LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 10K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
199 $3.14
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active10 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.210" H (8.89mm x 5.33mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352T-1-501LF
3352T-1-501LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 500 OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
259 $2.48
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active500 Ohms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352E-1-105LF
3352E-1-105LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 1M OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
155 $3.20
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active1 MOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.210" H (8.89mm x 5.33mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
91AR5KLF
91AR5KLF
THUMBWHEEL POT 5K OHM 0.5W TOP
TT Electronics/BI
303 $1.99
91 Bulk Active5 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.375" Dia x 0.200" H (9.53mm x 5.08mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
91AR200LF
91AR200LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 200 OHM 0.5W TOP
TT Electronics/BI
88 $2.02
91 Bulk Active200 Ohms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.375" Dia x 0.200" H (9.53mm x 5.08mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
91AR50KLF
91AR50KLF
THUMBWHEEL POT 50K OHM 0.5W TOP
TT Electronics/BI
407 $2.01
91 Bulk Active50 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.375" Dia x 0.200" H (9.53mm x 5.08mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352W-1-103LF
3352W-1-103LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 10K OHM 0.5W SIDE
Bourns Inc.
30 $2.48
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active10 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Side AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.210" H (8.89mm x 5.33mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352T-1-105LF
3352T-1-105LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 1M OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
386 $2.47
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active1 MOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352W-1-102LF
3352W-1-102LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 1K OHM 0.5W SIDE
Bourns Inc.
249 $2.46
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active1 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Side AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.210" H (8.89mm x 5.33mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352W-1-104LF
3352W-1-104LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 100K OHM 0.5W SID
Bourns Inc.
49 $2.46
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active100 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Side AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.210" H (8.89mm x 5.33mm)PC PinsThrough Hole
3352T-1-102LF
3352T-1-102LF
THUMBWHEEL POT 1K OHM 0.5W TOP
Bourns Inc.
274 $2.44
Trimpot® 3352 - Open Frame Bulk Active1 kOhms0.5W, 1/2W±20%1Top AdjustmentRound - 0.350" Dia x 0.150" H (8.89mm x 3.81mm)PC PinsThrough Hole

About Thumbwheel Potentiometers

What are Thumbwheel Potentiometers?

Thumbwheel Potentiometers

Thumbwheel potentiometers are a type of variable resistor that allows users to adjust resistance levels manually using a thumbwheel mechanism. These devices are designed to provide precise control over electrical circuits by varying the resistance, which in turn adjusts the current flow or voltage output. The basic operating principle involves a resistive element and a sliding contact (wiper) that moves along the element as the thumbwheel is rotated. This movement changes the resistance value, enabling users to fine-tune electronic devices or systems with ease.

Types of Thumbwheel Potentiometers

Linear Thumbwheel Potentiometers

Linear thumbwheel potentiometers provide a uniform change in resistance as the thumbwheel is rotated. They are ideal for applications requiring consistent and predictable adjustments, such as audio equipment volume controls or light dimmers.

Logarithmic Thumbwheel Potentiometers

Logarithmic thumbwheel potentiometers offer a non-linear resistance change, which is particularly useful in audio applications where human perception of sound intensity is logarithmic. This type is often used in audio mixers and equalizers.

Multi-turn Thumbwheel Potentiometers

Multi-turn thumbwheel potentiometers allow for finer adjustments by requiring multiple rotations to cover the full resistance range. These are used in precision applications like calibration equipment and laboratory instruments.

How to choose Thumbwheel Potentiometers?

When selecting a thumbwheel potentiometer, consider the following key parameters:

  • Resistance Range: Determine the appropriate resistance range needed for your application.
  • Type: Choose between linear, logarithmic, or multi-turn based on the specific use case.
  • Power Rating: Ensure the potentiometer can handle the power levels in your circuit.
  • Tolerance: Consider the precision required for your application.
  • Size and Mounting: Evaluate the space available and the mounting method (e.g., panel mount, PCB mount).

To evaluate product quality and reliability, review supplier certifications, customer reviews, and warranty offerings. Consider environmental factors such as temperature range and humidity, and ensure the potentiometer is compatible with your installation requirements.

Applications of Thumbwheel Potentiometers

Consumer Electronics

In consumer electronics, thumbwheel potentiometers are commonly used for volume and tone controls in audio devices, allowing users to adjust sound levels with precision.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, these potentiometers are utilized for dashboard controls, enabling drivers to adjust settings such as air conditioning and lighting with ease.

Industrial Automation

Thumbwheel potentiometers play a crucial role in industrial automation, where they are used to fine-tune machinery settings, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Medical Equipment

In medical devices, these potentiometers are used to calibrate equipment settings, such as in infusion pumps and diagnostic machines, where precision is critical.

Telecommunications

In telecommunications, thumbwheel potentiometers are employed to adjust signal levels and frequencies in communication equipment, ensuring clear and reliable transmissions.