A Linear Slide Potentiometer is an electronic component that changes its resistance value through linear sliding and is widely used in scenarios such as volume control, brightness adjustment, and signal modulation. The following is its detailed description:

1. Basic structure

Resistor body: Usually made of carbon film, conductive plastic or metal film, it is in the shape of a long strip and determines the lifespan and accuracy of the potentiometer.

Sliding contact (brush) : It comes into contact with the resistor body and changes the resistance value when sliding.

Slider/push rod: User operation part, which can move linearly when manually pushed.

Shell: Protects the internal structure, and the material is mostly plastic or metal.

Pins: Usually 3 (input, output, ground), and some models support multi-pin configuration.

2. Working Principle

By moving the slider to change the position of the contact points, the resistance value between the input and output terminals can be adjusted to achieve voltage division or resistance variation functions.

The resistance value is linearly related to the sliding distance (special models may be logarithmic or exponential).

3. Key parameters

Resistance range: Common ones include 1kΩ, 10kΩ, 50kΩ, 100kΩ, etc.

Stroke length: such as 30mm, 45mm, 60mm, etc.

Rated power: Usually 0.1W to 0.5W, and high-power models can reach 1W.

Linear accuracy: ±5% to ±20%, and for precision type, it can reach ±1%.

Lifespan: Carbon film can last approximately 10,000 times, while conductive plastic can exceed 500,000 times.

Withstand voltage/current: It needs to be selected according to the circuit requirements.

4. Types and Characteristics

Single-channel/multi-channel: Single-channel is independently controlled, while multi-channel can synchronously adjust multiple signals.

Type with switch: Sliding end integrated switch function (such as on/off).

Sealed type: Dustproof and waterproof, suitable for industrial environments.

High-precision type: used in instruments and meters, it features high resolution and low temperature drift.

5. Application scenarios

Audio equipment: mixing console, equalizer, volume control.

Industrial control: Position adjustment of robotic arms, speed control of motors.

Consumer electronics: LED dimming, game controllers.

Testing instruments: Calibration, signal generation.

6. Precautions for Selection

Environmental factors: humidity, temperature, dust (Select sealed or weather-resistant models).

Operation feel: damping coefficient, slider material (such as metal/rubber).

Installation methods: PCB installation, panel installation (please pay attention to the fixed hole positions).

Signal type: Use low-noise models for audio, and low capacitive reactance is required for high-frequency circuits.

7. Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Intuitive adjustment, low cost, and easy integration.

Disadvantages: Mechanical wear leads to a limited lifespan and it is not suitable for high-frequency vibration environments.

8. Common brands

Imported: ALPS, Bourns, Panasonic.

Domestic products: Components from Cree, Huawei and Panasonic.

9. Maintenance and Faults

Cleaning: Wipe the resistor body with alcohol cotton (suitable for open structures).

Replacement: When the brushes are worn or the resistor body is oxidized, the entire unit needs to be replaced.