Product FAQ

Potentiometers

"Snap-in" is a structural design for holding a switch in place with terminals, or a frame, that are kinked so the switch does not fall out after insertion into the PC board holes.

・Hand (manual) soldering
Soldering is performed manually using a soldering iron.

・Dip soldering
Soldering is performed by passing the workpiece through flowing molten solder.

・Reflow soldering
This is a soldering method for surface mounting of components that uses solder paste or cream instead of molten solder and involves heating the entire PC board and its components.

The maximum force a control shaft can withstand when a load is applied to the shaft along its axis.

・Insulation resistance is a measure of insulation performance between terminals (live parts) and the part body or the control shaft, expressed as a resistance value.

・Withstand voltage (voltage proof) is the maximum voltage a part can withstand for a certain length of time without the insulation breaking down when voltage is applied between terminals (live parts) and the part body or the control shaft. 。

・Flat shaft
The most common shaft design used with a press-fit knob

・Serrated shaft
A shaft with regularly spaced ridges formed around the shaft exterior, used with a press-fit knob

・Slotted shaft
A shaft used with either a press-fit knob or knob screw-fastened from the side

The relationship between ambient temperature and the maximum electric power that can be applied continuously, expressed as a percentage of rated power.

The resistance value representing a standard value for a resistor (a standard resistance value)

・Rated power is the maximum electric power that can be applied continuously to a potentiometer.

・Maximum operating voltage is the maximum voltage that can be applied to the resistive element specified for the potentiometer.

Maximum attenuation represents the ratio of the voltage between terminals 1 and 2, or between terminals 2 and 3, to the voltage applied to both ends of the resistive element when the control shaft is positioned at the terminal 1 end, or terminal 3 end, of the rotation or travel, expressed in decibels.

The resistance between the sliding (wiper) terminal (terminal 2) and an end terminal (terminal 1 or 3) when the control shaft is positioned at that end of the rotation or travel

・Shaft play is the lever play (tilt) that occurs when a specified amount of force is applied at right angles to the lever. Play of the end of the lever (wobble) is proportionate to the length of the shaft.

・Shaft tilt is the deviation of shaft axis and mounting surface in parallel or perpendicular directions relative to the mounting surface of the main body of the potentiometer when no load is applied to the lever.

Electrical noise generated when a potentiometer is operated, expressed as a voltage or resistance ratio

The mechanical angle of rotation of a lever between its full CW and CCW positions

A detent (click) positioned at the center point of a potentiometer's total rotation angle

Basic performance parameters of a potentiometer, indicating the value and permissible range of the resistance between terminals 1 and 3

The deviation from the resistance taper of each of multiple resistive elements making up a ganged potentiometer, expressed in decibels

The difference between maximum output voltage and applied voltage when the resistance taper of the potentiometer is specified by the attenuation level, expressed in decibels. The smaller the better.

A fourth terminal of a potentiometer. Connected midway along the resistor, it is used, for example, in loudness and balance control circuits.

A potentiometer terminal with no electrical function.

When referring to the terminals of a potentiometer using numbers, the terminals at either end of the resistive element are terminal 1 and terminal 3 respectively. The terminal connected to the sliding contact is terminal 2.

A resistor consisting of carbon-based material formed into film, used as the resistive element of general-purpose potentiometers. Besides carbon, metal materials are also employed as resistors, but we do not use them.

The set of characteristics showing the change in output voltage (or resistance) between terminals 1 and 2 of a potentiometer in relation to the rotation angle or travel

Migration is the phenomenon whereby a layer of moisture that forms on the resistor substrate, when used for long periods in high-temperature, high-humidity conditions, allows silver to migrate from the positive to the negative pole, causing a drop in insulation resistance or a short circuit. Countermeasures include widening the spacing between the electrodes and coating the silver with carbon.

We recommend using potentiometers to adjust voltage (Fig. A). If using a potentiometer to control current (Fig. B), the set circuit might be affected by the contact resistance between resistive element and wiper. Make sure to check actual usage conditions in advance.