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Potentiometer Glossary
Input and Output Terms |
Rotation and Translation |
Total Mechanical Travel
The total travel of the shaft between stops. In potentiometers without stops, the mechanical travel is continuous.
Backlash
The maximum difference in shaft position that occurs when the shaft is moved to the same actual point from opposite directions.
Electrical Travel
The shaft travel between minimum and maximum output voltage (minimum and maximum resistance). Electrical travel is equal to mechanical travel when there are mechanical stops incorporated into the potentiometer. Due to physical limitations, electrical travel is always less than 360 degrees.
Effective Electrical Travel
The total travel of the shaft over which electrical continuity is maintained between the wiper and the resistance element. The effective electrical travel is always less than the electrical travel as well as the mechanical travel.
Tap Location
The position of a tap, commonly expressed as a shaft position. For example, a center-tap would be located at the mid-point of the shaft rotation and assuming the resistance curve to be linear, correspond to 50% of the total resistance.
Resistance |
Conformity and Linearity |
General Electrical Characteristics |
Mechanical Characteristics |
Stop Strength |
Environmental - IP rating |
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