Imagine an application that requires a variable resistance between 10 kΩ and 20 kΩ. With the circuit shown you are able to adjust continuously any resistance value between 10 kΩ and 20 kΩ.
Circuit of an adjustable resistor. (Enlarge) |
Circuit diagram of an adjustable resistor. |
Such a wiring of a potentiometer you find often in applications. In many circuits it must be prevented that the resistance reaches 0 Ω. A resistor close to 0 Ω can lead to high currents in the potentiometer and the circuit, possibly damaging them (more on that later)...
But next to the principal use of a potentiometer...
