Potentiometer Calculator

What is a potentiometer?

Potentiometers are commonly used for various purposes, including volume control in audio devices, brightness control in displays, and position sensors in robotics and industrial applications. They provide a simple and convenient way to vary the resistance and adjust the output of a circuit to meet specific requirements.

A potentiometer, also known as a variable resistor/pot, is an electronic component that allows for the adjustment of electrical resistance in a circuit. It consists of a resistive track or strip made of a material with high resistivity, such as carbon/metal. The resistive track has three terminals two fixed terminals and a third terminal called the wiper/slider.

Formula:

V_L= (R₂R_L/ (R₁R_L+R₂R_L+R₁R₂)) × Vs

How to find a potentiometer?

Example 1:

Determine the potentiometer if

R₁ (amps) = 13

R₂ (amps) = 12

r_l (amps) = 23

Vs(volts) = 10

Solution

Step 1:

The formula for the potentiometer is given below:

V_L= (R₂R_L/ (R₁R_L+R₂R_L+R₁R₂)) × Vs

Step 2:

Replace the values

V_L = (12 × 23/ (13 × 23+12 × 23+13 × 12)) × 10

Step 3:

Simplifying the values

V_L = (276 / (299+276+156)) × 10

V_L = (276 / 731) × 10

V_L = 0.3775 × 10

V_L = 3.775

Example 2:

Determine the potentiometer if

R₁ (amps) = 25

R₂ (amps) = 15

r_l (amps) = 10

Vs(volts) = 5

Solution

Step 1:

The formula for the potentiometer is given below:

V_L= (R₂R_L/ (R₁R_L+R₂R_L+R₁R₂)) × Vs

Step 2:

Replace the values

V_L = (15 × 10/ (25 × 10+15 × 10+25 × 15)) × 5

Step 3:

Simplifying the values

V_L = (150/ (250+150+375)) × 5

V_L = (150/775) × 5

V_L = 0.19354 × 5

V_L = 0.96774