Potentiometers, also knows as pots, are useful electrical components that allows a person or a machine to directly tune the voltage or restiance in one part of a circuit. In its normal configuration, a potentiometer acts as a variable voltage divider. If a voltage source is connected between the two pins called terminals, the voltage over the third pin, known as the wiper will vary with the position of the potentiometer shaft. This shaft can for example be controlled by a slider or a thumbwheel.

Model

In this example model, a slider controlled potentiometer has been connected in its normal configuration. The translational position of the slider will be increased following a ramp signal, from 0 to 10 centimeter (about 4 inches). The voltage on the wiper pin is measured with a voltage sensor.

Simulation

To simulate the model, click the Simulate button:

Plot the results

Explore how the voltage on the wiper pin decreases as the potentiometer gets turned around. Plot the Model plot called Potentiometer voltages by double clicking it from the Model Plots section.

You should now see the graph below: