Conductive Plastic Linear Potentiometers
Description
Conductive plastic linear potentiometers are devices that measure linear displacement. They provide an output voltage that is proportional to the position of a slider or wiper along a resistive element made of conductive plastic. This output is used to determine the precise position of the slider, making them essential components in various measurement and control systems.
Working Principle
Conductive plastic linear potentiometers operate based on the voltage divider principle. The device consists of a resistive element and a wiper that moves along this element. As the wiper moves, it picks off a voltage from the resistive element that is proportional to its position. This analog voltage output is absolute, meaning it immediately reflects the position without needing recalibration after power interruptions. The real-time availability of output signals without lag makes these potentiometers particularly useful in applications requiring precise and immediate feedback .
Applications
Conductive plastic linear potentiometers are widely used in applications that require precise position sensing. Specific examples include automotive systems, where they are used in drive-by-wire applications due to their ruggedness and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. They are also employed in industrial machinery for position feedback and control, as well as in consumer electronics for volume and tone control .
Advantages over other Linear Potentiometers
Conductive plastic linear potentiometers offer several advantages over other types of linear potentiometers. They are known for their excellent measuring speeds, linearity, resolution, and repeatability, which are achieved without the high technical effort and expense required by other sensor technologies. They are also insensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can operate effectively under extreme environmental conditions, such as intense heat and cold, making them ideal for mobile and under-hood applications .
Limitations
One limitation of conductive plastic linear potentiometers is their susceptibility to wear over time due to the physical contact between the wiper and the resistive element. This wear can affect their long-term accuracy and reliability, especially in high-frequency or continuous rotation applications. In such cases, contactless measuring methods may be more suitable .
Considerations
When considering conductive plastic linear potentiometers, it is important to evaluate factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, and maintenance requirements. These potentiometers are generally inexpensive and offer a long operating life with tens of millions of cycles. However, their accuracy and durability can be affected by wear, necessitating periodic maintenance or replacement. Additionally, while they provide excellent real-time performance, their accuracy may not match that of digital encoders in applications requiring extremely high precision .
from Betatronix LLC
During our early years, Betatronix primarily manufactured precision rotary potentiometers. It wasn't until Texas Instruments offered us the opportunity to work on the fin position actuator of the HARMS and Paveway missiles that we entered the linear motion potentiometer business. Texas Instruments'... [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Linearity: 0.2000 to 5
- Measurement Range: 0.5000 to 6
- Operating Temperature: -65 to 125
from PMC Engineering LLC
The KP13C Compact Series of linear position sensors have a 0.51 in. diameter aluminum body and a stainless steel shaft. Designed to withstand the demanding environment using a proven conductive plastic track technology and multi fingered contacts the sensors offer high performance and reliability... [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Linearity: 0.5000
- Measurement Range: 1 to 6
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 300
from BEI Duncan Electronics
Infinite resolution, within 13 mm repeatability [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Linearity: 0.7500
- Measurement Range: 1.97
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 257
from PMC Engineering LLC
KP94B Series of linear position sensors has 0.37 in. diameter aluminum body and stainless steel shaft with bearings at each end. Designed to withstand the demanding environment, using a proven conductive plastic track technology and multi-fingered contacts, these sensors offer high performance and... [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Linearity: 0.5000
- Measurement Range: 0.5000 to 7
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 300
from BEI Duncan Electronics
Infinite resolution, for use with microprocessor-based systems [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 275
- Measurement Range: 0.4000
- Output: Resistance
from PMC Engineering LLC
KP94P Series of Linear position sensors have a 0.37 in. diameter aluminum body and a stainless steel shaft with Pop-Joints at each end. Designed to withstand the demanding environment using a proven conductive plastic track technology and multi fingered contacts the sensors offer high performance... [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Linearity: 0.5000
- Measurement Range: 0.5000 to 7
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 300
from PMC Engineering LLC
The KP19S Standard Series of linear position sensors have a 0.75 in. diameter aluminum body and a stainless steel shaft. Designed to withstand the demanding environment using a proven conductive plastic track technology and multi fingered contacts the sensors offer high performance and reliability... [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Linearity: 0.5000
- Measurement Range: 1 to 18
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 300
from PMC Engineering LLC
The KP15S Standard Series of linear position sensors have a 0.59 in. square aluminum body and a stainless steel shaft. Designed to withstand the demanding environment using a proven conductive plastic track technology and multi fingered contacts the sensors offer high performance and reliability... [See More]
- Linear Potentiometer Type: Conductive Plastic
- Linearity: 0.5000
- Measurement Range: 4 to 10
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 300