Information about Digital Potentiometers

Digital potentiometers are three-terminal resistors with an adjustable center connection. To set the output resistance, a digital signal is sent through an electrical interface. There are two main configurations for digital potentiometers: single resistor and resistor chip array. Single resistors are standard, passive resistors with a single resistance value. Resistor chip arrays contain several resistors housed in a single package. For both digital potentiometer configurations, specifications include current rating, resistance range, temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), tolerance, number of steps or taps, operating direct current (DC) voltage, and operating temperature. For resistor chip arrays, the number of resistors in the package is also an important consideration.

Engineering Calculators Related to Digital Potentiometers

Ohms' Law Calculator

Products & Services Related to Digital Potentiometers

Chip Resistors

Chip resistors are passive resistors with a form factor of an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Typically, they are manufactured using thin-film technology.

Current Sensing Resistors

Current sensing resistors convert the current flowing through it to a voltage drop. Monitoring or measuring this voltage drop allows the current through the resistor to be measured. Applications for current sensing resistors include power supplies, receptacles, and battery packs.

Power Resistors

Power resistors are used in power generation and distribution, high-voltage applications, control systems, and other power system applications. They include load banks, grounding resistors, and dynamic braking resistors.

Resistor, Capacitor Networks

Resistor, capacitor networks (RC networks) are integrated circuits (ICs) that contain resistor-capacitor arrays in a single chip.

Resistors

Resistors are electrical components that oppose the flow of either direct or alternating current. They are used to protect, operate, or control circuits.

Resistors and Potentiometers

Resistors and potentiometers are passive electronic components that oppose the flow of either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

Shunt Resistors

Shunts resistors are connected in parallel with an instrument or component to divert electrical current. They provide an alternate path for current in case of failure.