Trimmer Potentiometers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
3059J-1-204M

3059J-1-204M

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 200K OHM 1W SLD HK SIDE

0

CT20EP103

CT20EP103

Nidec Copal Electronics

TRIMMER 10K OHM 0.5W PC PIN SIDE

490

3386V-1-680LF

3386V-1-680LF

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 68 OHM 0.5W PC PIN SIDE

0

CT9EP500

CT9EP500

Nidec Copal Electronics

TRIMMER 50 OHM 0.5W PC PIN SIDE

0

3386S-1-402

3386S-1-402

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 4K OHM 0.5W PC PIN SIDE

0

FT63EX101

FT63EX101

Nidec Copal Electronics

TRIMMER 100 OHM 0.5W PC PIN SIDE

0

500E-0087

500E-0087

NTE Electronics, Inc.

TRIMMER 1M OHM SINGLE

752

67WR500KLF

67WR500KLF

TT Electronics / BI Technologies

TRIMMER 500K OHM 0.5W PC PIN TOP

71

3059Y-1-200LF

3059Y-1-200LF

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 20 OHM 1W PC PIN SIDE

0

3252X-1-503MLF

3252X-1-503MLF

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 50KOHM 0.75W PC PIN SIDE

0

3262W-1-472LF

3262W-1-472LF

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 4.7KOHM 0.25W PC PIN TOP

0

3266X-1-504

3266X-1-504

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 500K OHM 0.25W PC PIN

0

Y40692K00000J0L

Y40692K00000J0L

VPG Foil

TRIMMER 2K OHM 0.25W PC PIN SIDE

0

RJ5EW204

RJ5EW204

Nidec Copal Electronics

TRIMMER 200KOHM 0.25W PC PIN TOP

0

3362U-1-104ALF

3362U-1-104ALF

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 100K OHM 0.5W PC PIN TOP

706

PT15LV18-252A2020-S

PT15LV18-252A2020-S

Amphenol

15MM CONTROL/ SENSOR TRIMMER POT

5400

3252X-1-501MLF

3252X-1-501MLF

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 500OHM 0.75W PC PIN SIDE

0

3362M-1-504R

3362M-1-504R

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 500KOHM 0.5W PC PIN SIDE

0

3386W-1-253

3386W-1-253

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 25K OHM 0.5W PC PIN SIDE

0

3059Y-1-222

3059Y-1-222

J.W. Miller / Bourns

TRIMMER 2.2K OHM 1W PC PIN SIDE

0

Trimmer Potentiometers

1. Overview

Trimmer potentiometers (trimpots) are adjustable resistors designed for infrequent calibration and tuning of electronic circuits. Unlike standard potentiometers, trimpots are optimized for precision adjustments during device manufacturing or maintenance. They play a critical role in modern electronics by enabling fine-tuning of voltage division, signal levels, and circuit parameters in compact spaces.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Rotary TrimmerAdjustment via rotational knob (single-turn -turn)Power supply calibration, amplifier gain control
Slide TrimmerLinear slider mechanism for resistance adjustmentAudio equipment balance control, sensor signal trimming
Surface Mount (SMD) TrimmerMiniaturized design for PCB surface mountingMobile devices, IoT sensors
Digital TrimmerElectronic adjustment via digital interface (I2C/PWM)Smart instrumentation, automated calibration systems

3. Structure and Components

Typical trimpot construction includes:

  • Resistive Element: Cermet, carbon composition, or conductive plastic materials
  • Adjustment Mechanism: Precision screw-driven wiper system (rotary) or linear slider
  • Enclosure: Flame-retardant thermoplastic or ceramic housing
  • Terminals: Tin-plated copper or brass for PCB mounting
  • Protection Coating: Epoxy or UV-curable resin for environmental resistance

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Resistance Range10 to 5M standard valuesDetermines adjustment resolution and circuit compatibility
Tolerance 5% to 20% depending on materialImpacts initial calibration accuracy
Power Rating0.1-0.5W typicalLimits maximum current/voltage handling
Temperature Coefficient 100 to 200 ppm/ CDefines stability across operating temperatures
Mechanical Life500-5000 adjustment cyclesDetermines maintenance interval requirements

5. Application Fields

  • Consumer Electronics: Smartphone sensor calibration, audio device equalization
  • Industrial Control: PLC signal conditioning, motor speed regulation
  • Medical Devices: Diagnostic equipment parameter tuning, implantable device calibration
  • Automotive: ECU sensor signal adjustment, dashboard display brightness control
  • Aerospace: Avionics system gain adjustment, navigation equipment calibration

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerKey ProductsTechnical Highlights
Bourns Inc.3296 series (Precision Cermet) 0.5% tolerance, 20-turn adjustment
Vishay Precision GroupVishay Dale S1A seriesHermetically sealed, MIL-STD-202 qualified
TT ElectronicsPVH series (High-Voltage)500V rating, 10M maximum resistance
Ohmite Mfg. Co.789 series (High-Power)2W rating, aluminum heatsink design

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations include:

  • Environmental Factors: Operating temperature (-55 C to +155 C), humidity resistance
  • Adjustment Requirements: Single-turn vs multi-turn based on precision needs
  • Mounting Type: Through-hole vs SMD depending on PCB space constraints
  • Compliance: RoHS/REACH regulations for hazardous material restrictions
  • Cost-Performance Balance: Cermet (mid-range), carbon (budget), conductive plastic (high-end)

8. Industry Trends Analysis

Emerging trends shaping trimpot development:

  • Miniaturization: 0402 package size SMD trimpots for wearable electronics
  • Digital Integration: I2C-programmable trimpots with non-volatile memory
  • Material Innovation: Graphene-enhanced resistive elements for improved stability
  • Automated Calibration: Robotics-compatible adjustment interfaces for mass production
  • Environmental Durability: IP67-rated sealed trimpots for harsh industrial environments
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