What are Potentiometers and variable resistors for?

Potentiometers and variable resistors are used in various electronic devices for controlling electrical characteristics such as voltage and current. Here are their definitions:

1. Potentiometers: As you mentioned, potentiometers are three-terminal variable resistors that are manually adjustable. They are primarily used to measure electrostatic potential. However, in the context of most consumer electronics, they serve a different but similar purpose:

   - Rotary Potentiometer: These devices use rotation to adjust the resistance. This mechanism is often found in knobs, such as those used to control volume or tone in audio equipment. The turning motion allows for precision adjustments.

   - Slide Potentiometer: Also known as slider or fader pots, these potentiometers adjust resistance through a linear motion instead of a rotational one. They are frequently used in audio mixing equipment and lighting consoles.

2. Variable Resistors: Overall, variable resistors give users the capability of adjusting resistance within a circuit. It is a broad category that includes the potentiometers described above, and other types:

   - Rheostats: They typically have two terminals and are used in applications where it's necessary to adjust the current. Examples include light dimmers and fan regulators.

   - Trimmers: These are miniaturized variable resistors, often designed to be mounted directly onto circuit boards and adjusted only when setting up or tuning the system.

Nantian Electronics, as a trusted distributor of electronic components, provides a suite of products within the Potentiometers, Variable Resistors category. Depending on the specific needs of a circuit or device, they offer the right product for the application, whether that be a rotary potentiometer, a slide potentiometer, a rheostat, a trimmer, or accompanying accessories.