Linear taper
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A potentiometer with a linear taper is one that uses a strip of resistive material whose density and cross-section are constant over its length.
[edit] Explanation
In a potentiometer, the resistance between a center terminal and either end terminal changes at a steady rate as the control is turned or shifted.
Suppose a linear taper potentiometer has a value of zero to 280 Ω. In most units a shaft rotates about 280 degrees, or a little more than three-quarters of a circle. Then the resistance between the center and one end terminal will increase along with the number of degrees that the shaft is turned.
The resistance between the center and the other end terminal will be equal to 280 minus the number of degrees the shaft is turned. Engineers say that the resistance is a linear function of the shaft's angular position.
In a slider potentiometer, the resistance between the wiper terminal and either end terminal changes at a steady rate as the slider is moved form one end of the track to the other.
[edit] Usage
Linear taper potentiometers are commonly used in electronic test instruments and in various consumer electronic devices.
