VARIABLE RESISTOR

Variable resistors, as the name suggests, are devices whose resistance can be changed. Rheostat
and potentiometers are examples of variable resistors. A variable resistor forms a very important
component of any electrical or electronic circuit as it allows some degree on control. A volume
knob is an apt example of a variable resistor, where it control the amount of current flow and
hence the volume.

A variable resistor basically consists of a metal strip or conducting ceramic, which connects to one
part of the circuit. One more of wire is provided which can be turned or rotated using a dial. The
overall effect of this operation is that the electric current will flow through the path depending on
the direction in which the knob is turned.

The working of a variable resistor is based on their type:

  Rheostat: In this type of resistor conducting wire is wound around a drum. There are two
terminals and one of them is fixed while the other moves forward and backward. When the
slider is moved forward or backward the number of conducting coils increases or decreases
thus decreasing or increasing the current resistance.
  Potentiometers: This type has three terminals, all connected. As the terminal moves in or
out, the resistance changes.
  Presets: They are mounted on the PCB and usually the resistance can be adjusted using a
screwdriver.

Selection of a variable resistor:

Resistor supply voltage, reference inputs - difference between VH and the VL voltage inputs,
output buffer amplifier-output voltage from a unity gain follower are some of the parameters that
can be considered when selection a variable resistor.

Variable resistors are available in various configurations suitable for different types of
applications. Some of variable resistor configurations are SMD variable resistor, ceramic SMD
variable resistor, knob-type variable resistors, Phenolic resin mold-type variable resistors, mold-
type variable resistors with metal housing, universal metal shaft rotary variable resistors, ceramic
metal-glazed and semi-fixed variable resistors, motor-driven metal shaft rotary variable resistors,
carbon film-type variable resistor with rotational angle, trimmer potentiometer series with
variable resistance ranges.

Applications:
Used in fuel level in automobiles, volume knob on a stereo radio/TV, light bulb dimmers, etc.

Reference:
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