Slide Potentiometers
A slide potentiometer is an electronic component that changes resistance through linear displacement. It consists of three main components: a resistor, a sliding contact, and a mechanical guide. Its core principle follows Ohm’s law: as the slider position changes, the resistance between the output terminal and the reference terminal changes linearly or nonlinearly.
1. What are the Types of Slide Potentiometers?
According to IEC 60393, they are mainly categorized as follows:
Single-gang Type: Basic structure with a single resistor track
Multi-gang Type: Parallel multiple tracks for synchronous adjustment
With Switch Type: Integrated mechanical switch function
2. What are the Key Performance Parameters of Slide Potentiometers?
Parameter |
Typical Specification Range |
Test Standard |
Total Resistance |
100Ω-1MΩ |
MIL-R-94 |
Mechanical Life |
10,000-100,000 cycles |
EIA RS-481 |
Resolution |
±0.5%-±5% |
DIN 41328 |
Temperature Coefficient |
±100ppm/℃~±500ppm/℃ |
JIS C 6440 |
3. What are the Application Scenarios of Slide Potentiometers?
Professional Audio Equipment
Mixer faders and equalizers utilize conductive plastics for low noise (<1mV RMS).
Industrial Control Systems
Require IP67 protection, such as injection molding machine parameter settings and CNC machine tool controls.
Consumer Electronics
Game controller throttle levers and smart home brightness controls are trending towards miniaturization (<20mm travel).
Automotive Electronics
Compliant with AEC-Q200 standards for automotive air conditioning panels and seat memory modules.
4. Selection Guide for Slide Potentiometers
1) Material Options:
Carbon Film: Economical ($0.2-1.5/piece)
Cermet: High Precision (±1%)
Conductive Plastic: Long Life (>500,000 cycles)
2) Interface Types:
THT Through-Hole (suitable for manual soldering)
SMD (preferred for automated production)
3) Special Requirements:
Dust-Proof Design (for medical equipment)
Explosion-Proof Certification (for petrochemical applications)