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.. _cpn_potentiometer:

Potentiometer
===============

.. image:: img/potentiometer.png
    :align: center
    :width: 150

Potentiometer is also a resistance component with 3 terminals and its resistance value can be adjusted according to some regular variation. 

Potentiometers come in various shapes, sizes, and values, but they all have the following things in common:

* They have three terminals (or connection points).
* They have a knob, screw, or slider that can be moved to vary the resistance between the middle terminal and either one of the outer terminals.
* The resistance between the middle terminal and either one of the outer terminals varies from 0 Ω to the maximum resistance of the pot as the knob, screw, or slider is moved.

Here is the circuit symbol of potentiometer. 

.. image:: img/potentiometer_symbol.png
    :align: center
    :width: 400


The functions of the potentiometer in the circuit are as follows: 

#. Serving as a voltage divider

    Potentiometer is a continuously adjustable resistor. When you adjust the shaft or sliding handle of the potentiometer, the movable contact will slide on the resistor.  At this point, a voltage can be output depending on the voltage applied onto the potentiometer and the angle the movable arm has rotated to or the travel it has made. 

#. Serving as a rheostat

    When the potentiometer is used as a rheostat, connect the middle pin and one of the other 2 pins in the circuit. Thus you can get a smoothly and continuously changed resistance value within the travel of the moving contact. 

#. Serving as a current controller

    When the potentiometer acts as a current controller, the sliding contact terminal must be connected as one of the output terminals.

If you want to know more about potentiometer, refer to: `Potentiometer - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potentiometer>`_

**Example**

* :ref:`ar_potentiometer` (Basic Project)
* :ref:`sh_moving_mouse` (Scratch Project)
* :ref:`sh_breakout_clone` (Scratch Project)