Digital potentiometers are essential three-terminal circuit components designed to modify the resistance in various circuits. The terminals consist of two fixed-end terminals and a wiper terminal that carry out crucial functions. These potentiometers, also called digipots, come with integrated circuits and are similar to common analogue (variable resistor) potentiometers with slight variations in signal input.
What is the difference between a standard and a digital potentiometer?
A standard potentiometer differs from a digital potentiometer by modifying the resistance value physically, while a digital potentiometer changes the resistance value through a digital input instead of a rotating wheel or slider.
What are the key benefits and features of digital potentiometers?
These potentiometers offer a wide range of advantages with a multitude of robust characteristics, such as:
- They can be operated in a closed control loop.
- They are devoid of physical access for adjustment.
- Exceptionally reliable and stable with excellent performance.
- Provide excellent protection against vibration, dust, grease, and moisture.
Typical environments for a digital potentiometer:
The environment-friendly digital potentiometers are suitable for environments where vibration, moisture, dust, or grease exist. These potentiometers are encapsulated, which protects them from the mentioned factors.
Where are digital potentiometers used?
These digipots potentiometers are widely employed for system tolerance calibration or to control multiple system parameters. They are also found in various applications use, such as:
- Sensor calibration
- System calibration
- Programmable analog filter tuning
- Process control
- Smart actuator
- Voltage margining
- LED dimming
- Programmable power supplies
- Volume control.
