Trimmer Potentiometers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
601030

601030

Elco (AVX)

CARBON PRESET HA 06 SM065 10K 30

1133

2041470258

2041470258

Elco (AVX)

CERMET-PRESET VC 414/30-N 100R 2

456

2041462505

2041462505

Elco (AVX)

CERMET-PRESET HC 414/30-N 470K 2

100

601010

601010

Elco (AVX)

CARBON PRESET HA 06 SM065 100R 3

453

2002111855

2002111855

Elco (AVX)

CERMET-PRESET TGN 825 M 10K 20%

466

2002112255

2002112255

Elco (AVX)

CERMET-PRESET TGN 825 M 47K 20%

480

2041461505

2041461505

Elco (AVX)

CERMET-PRESET HC 414/30-N 10K 20

172

2002111655

2002111655

Elco (AVX)

CERMET-PRESET TGN 825 M 4,7K 20%

276

601040

601040

Elco (AVX)

CARBON PRESET HA 06 SM065 100K 3

406

601036

601036

Elco (AVX)

CARBON PRESET HA 06 SM065 50K 30

196

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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