What is a Trimmer Potentiometer?
A trimmer potentiometer is a type of resistor ideal for electrical power adjustment. These resistors are typically surface-mount and have three pins and four ways to connect them. Surface-mount trimmers are typically ideal for smaller electrical equipment. Their characteristics allow them to found in various electronic circuits, including switchgear. To understand the various types of trimmer potentiometers, read out further.
Types of Trimmer Potentiometer:
Surface mount type resistors:
A surface-mount type resistor for a trimmer potentiometer is easy to use and provides accurate resistance adjustment. The resistance adjusts while the circuit is running without damaging the resistor. These resistors are frequently found in amplifiers where determining the exact resistance value of a component prior to assembly is difficult. They are also trim pots and come in single and multi-turn designs.
Surface-mount resistors are the most popular type for trimmer potentiometers because they allow manual adjustment of the resistance value. Vishay makes single and multi-turn trimmers in various case styles, sizes, and technologies. Because they have variable resistance, they are most common in applications where the ohmic value of the resistor is unknown. Furthermore, these resistors are easy to adjust and remain stable after assembly.
Applications of Surface-mount Trimmer Potentiometer:
Trimmer potentiometers that are surface-mount are specifically designed for surface-mounting onto printed circuit boards. They are primarily ideal in current and voltage adjustments. These types are ideal for small electrical equipment. Surface-mount types have six possible ways to connect compared to other types of resistors. They are also popular in audio equipment.
The simplest type of surface-mount resistor for trimmer potentiometers is the single-turn rotary preset potentiometer. It is a simple device that is ideal for various applications. However, it is also common in a wide variety of electronic devices. Using a multi-turn potentiometer is an efficient method of adjusting the resistance of a circuit.
A typical trimmer potentiometer has a resistance range of ten ohms to two mega-ohms. Its tolerance is around 10%. Its operating temperature range is typically from -50 to +125 degrees Celsius. They come in various types, including rectangular surface-mount and cylindrical surface-mount. These resistors have many functions and suitable for radio volume.
CTS trimmer Potentiometers:
CTS trimmer potentiometers are typically common in applications where the resistance value adjustment isn’t necessary, such as initial circuit adjustments. They come in various standard resistance values, tolerances, power ratings, and mounting styles and may feature color-coding, screwdriver holes, or hex holes. They also feature low-noise construction. These potentiometers are suitable for both automotive and industrial applications.
Citec Trimmer Potentiometers:
Citec potentiometers offer various options, ranging from single-turn versions to multiturn with switched options. these also offers potentiometers in the TW series, a high-power wire-wound series that provides excellent linearity and low terminal resistance. The TW series offers high-end performance at a competitive cost with similar potentiometers from other manufacturers.
The CB10 series of trimmers offers an innovative carbon resistive element printed on a film. These trimmers have a wide range of applications and are normally chosen for wide-ranging applications. These potentiometers have a resistance of 4.7K Ohm and a lifetime of 150 mW. They feature a one-turn design with a 4.7-ohm resistance.
Surface-mount Rotary Potentiometers:
Surface-mount rotary trimmer potentiometers have an adjustable resistance range and can dissipate up to 1/4 watt. Adjustment is made with a slot-head screwdriver. The potentiometer is available in standard values from 50 ohms up to two million ohms, and its outer casing meets UL 94V-0 standards.
Dimensions:
Trimmer potentiometers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are typically soldered directly onto a circuit board. These devices are also referred to as preset resistors. They are a common component in electronic circuits and are surface-mount or through-hole mounted. Single-turn trimmers are commonly used and provide sufficient resolution. Multi-turn trimmers are generally more precise.
Features:
A typical surface-mount rotary trimmer potentiometer has a single-turn, 20-K-Ohm resistance. When positioned upward or downward, its resistance will produce a larger drop in output voltage than when placed downward. The wiper’s position also influences the voltage at the output pin. The wiper’s position will affect the voltage output from pin 2.
The simplest surface-mount rotary trimmer potentiometer is the 50K model, which comes with a small, adjustable knob. This knob enables easy operation and provides a sleeker appearance. The large output signal allows the potentiometer to serve as a voltage divider or displacement transducer. They also serve as a position feedback device for motion control. They are ideal for small circuits and can be installed anywhere because they are small and simple to install.
In addition to the features mentioned earlier, surface mount rotary trimmer potentiometer technology allows for a streamlined solution for various design challenges. For example, when you design a product for a home theater, the potentiometer should be compatible with any existing device. A surface-mount rotary trimmer potentiometer will increase its compatibility with most home theater systems and be compatible with a wide range of other types.