Potentiometer / Variable Resistor

Potentiometer

When used as a potentiometer, connections are made to both ends as well as the wiper, as shown. The position of the wiper then provides an appropriate output signal (pin 2) which will vary between the voltage level applied to one end of the resistive track (pin 1) and that at the other (pin 3).

The potentiometer is a three-wire resistive device that acts as a voltage divider producing a continuously variable voltage output signal which is proportional to the physical position of the wiper along the track.

Variable Resistor

When used as a variable resistor, connections are made to only one end of the resistive track (either pin 1 or pin 3) and the wiper (pin 2) as shown. The position of the wiper is used to vary or change the amount of effective resistance connected between itself, the movable contact, and the stationary fixed end.