Potentiometers, Variable Resistors

A variable resistor is an electromechanical transducer which adjusts the electric resistance value. It has a fixed resistor consisting of a tapping point and works when a contact, in this case, a wiper, is slid over a resistive element. Through this arrangement, such devices are called potentiometers. The potentiometer is one of the most common variable resistors. It consists of a length of resistance wire with a tapping point that can move along it. These devices enable the adjustment of electronic circuits in order to obtain the correct output and function as resistive dividers, generating a voltage signal depending on their position. This signal is used for various applications, including amplifier gain control (audio volume), tuning circuits, and measuring distance or angles. Even though digital control systems have replaced potentiometers in numerous equipment, resistive controls are still used today.