Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
501-0034

501-0034

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU1021S64-POT 2W 1K OHM

17

502-0412

502-0412

NTE Electronics, Inc.

POT 1/2W 50K OHM 24MM DIA

125

501-0019

501-0019

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU1051S28-POT 2W 1M OHM

106

502-0322

502-0322

NTE Electronics, Inc.

POT .2W 1M OHM 16MM DIA

706

501-0074

501-0074

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KLU1051S20-POT 2W 1M OHM

17

502-0401

502-0401

NTE Electronics, Inc.

POT 1/2W 500 OHM 24MM DIA

330

501-0128

501-0128

NTE Electronics, Inc.

SPRO1041S2-POT 1/2W 100K

64

501-0049

501-0049

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU1541S28-POT-2W 150K OHM

20

502-0310

502-0310

NTE Electronics, Inc.

POT .1W 10K OHM 16MM DIA

562

501-0001

501-0001

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU5001S28-POT-2W 50 OHM

15

501-0003

501-0003

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU2511S28-POT 2W 250 OHM

31

501-0086

501-0086

NTE Electronics, Inc.

SU2511S28-POT1/2W 250 OHM

37

501-0015

501-0015

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU1041S28-POT-2W 100K OHM

91

501-0017

501-0017

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU2541S28-POT-2W 250K OHM

28

501-0022

501-0022

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KA2531S28-POT 2W 25K OHM

4

501-0043

501-0043

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU1041S64-POT 2W 100K OHM

23

501-0047

501-0047

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KU1051S64-POT 2W 1M OHM

20

501-0064

501-0064

NTE Electronics, Inc.

KLU1021S20-POT 2W 1K OHM

22

502-0324

502-0324

NTE Electronics, Inc.

POT .1W 1M OHM 16MM DIA

752

502-0419

502-0419

NTE Electronics, Inc.

POT 1/2W 500K OHM 24MM DI

717

Rotary Potentiometers, Rheostats

1. Overview

Rotary potentiometers and rheostats are variable resistors used to control electrical resistance in circuits. Potentiometers function as voltage dividers, while rheostats regulate current flow. These components enable precise manual control in electronics, making them critical in applications ranging from audio equipment to industrial machinery. Their ability to provide analog signal adjustment remains indispensable despite the rise of digital controls.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
Carbon Composition PotentiometersLow-cost, medium precision, durableConsumer electronics volume controls
Cermet PotentiometersHigh temperature stability, long lifespanIndustrial measurement devices
Conductive Plastic PotentiometersSmooth rotation, high resolutionMedical imaging equipment
Wirewound RheostatsHigh power handling, coarse adjustmentMotor speed controllers
Digital PotentiometersProgrammable resistance, non-volatile memoryAutomotive sensor calibration

3. Structure and Components

Typical rotary potentiometer construction includes: 1) A resistive element (circular track of carbon film, cermet, or wirewound material), 2) A wiper contact assembly with spring-loaded arm, 3) Rotational shaft with detent mechanisms, 4) Insulated housing (usually plastic or ceramic), 5) Terminal connections (solder lugs or PCB pins). Rheostats often use thicker wirewound elements for higher current capacity.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Resistance RangeTypical: 10 - 10M Determines control resolution
Tolerance 1% to 20%Signal accuracy indicator
Power Rating0.1W - 50WThermal performance limit
Mechanical Lifespan5,000-1,000,000 rotationsProduct durability metric
Taper TypeLinear, logarithmic, or customResponse curve matching

5. Application Fields

Main industries include: - Consumer electronics (smartphones, audio equipment) - Industrial automation (process control systems) - Automotive (HVAC controls, pedal position sensors) - Medical devices (diagnostic equipment calibration) - Aerospace (flight control systems) - Audio engineering (mixing console faders)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerKey ProductsSpecializations
Bourns Inc.3352/3386 seriesHigh-precision trimmers
Vishay Precision Group3006/3008 seriesMilitary-grade ruggedization
TT ElectronicsPO15 seriesCustom industrial sensors
Alps AlpineRK09 seriesCompact audio controls
Curtis Industries835 seriesHeavy-duty vehicle controls

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations: 1. Match resistance range to circuit requirements 2. Choose taper type (linear for voltage measurement, logarithmic for audio) 3. Consider environmental factors (temperature, vibration) 4. Evaluate electrical noise specifications 5. Determine required mechanical durability Example: Audio mixing boards typically use 100k logarithmic potentiometers with conductive plastic elements for smooth fading performance.

8. Industry Trends

Current developments include: - Miniaturization for portable devices (sub-10mm rotary controls) - Integration with digital interfaces (smart potentiometers) - Increased use of conductive polymer materials for smoother operation - Rising demand in EV applications (regenerative braking control) - Environmental regulations driving halogen-free materials adoption - Military/aerospace demand for radiation-hardened components

RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top