P260S-D2AF3CB10K

Rotary Potentiometers

The P260S-D2AF3CB10K is a type of rotary potentiometer, which is a three-terminal resistive device that functions as a voltage divider. Rotary potentiometers are also known as "variable resistors" and "variable attenuators" and vary the resistance between two of their terminals in response to the angular position of a shaft or rotary knob. The shaft or knob of a rotary potentiometer is often coupled with a mechanical switch that turns the device on and off.

Working Principle

The P260S-D2AF3CB10K consists of a resistive element that is connected between two of its terminals. An additional third terminal is connected to a sliding contact called a wiper, which moves along the resistive element. When the shaft of the potentiometer is rotated, the wiper moves along the resistive element, thereby changing the resistance between its two terminals. The resistance between the two terminals is inversely proportional to the location of the wiper along the element. By adjusting the shaft, the user can control the resistance between the two terminals and thus the voltage applied across a load.

Application Field

The P260S-D2AF3CB10K are commonly used in a variety of applications, including volume and tone controls on audio equipment, calibration of electronic instruments, and voltage divider circuits. They are also used in robotics and automation systems to control the speed and direction of motors, and as position sensors for servo systems. Due to their low cost and wide availability, they are used in a variety of consumer and industrial applications.

Rheostats

A rheostat is a two-terminal variable resistor that is used to control the flow of electric current in a circuit. It is essentially a variation of the potentiometer, but does not have a third terminal. Instead, the ends of the resistive element are connected to the two terminals of the rheostat. When the knob or shaft is rotated, the width of the resistive element that is in contact with the terminals is changed, thereby varying the resistance and controlling the current. Rheostats are used to control the speed of electric motors, the brightness of lamps, and the rate of charges in electronic devices.