Background
Application Note
0.5 W Conductive Plastic Potentiometers
392 Series, RV6 Series
Sensing and Control
Potentiometers convert rotary motion into a change of resistance,
supplying a smooth transition of voltage or current levels.
The resulting voltage output may be used to control position
transducers in a wide variety of potential applications.
The 392 Series and RV6 Series 0.5 W Plastic Potentiometers are
economical devices designed to meet wave soldering process
requirements for mounting to printed circuit boards (PCBs). All
versions contain an internal shaft seal for moisture protection and
comply with PCB washability test requirements and MIL-R-94
standards where appropriate. Termination types are PC pin or
solder hook, both are solder-dipped.
These small, single turn devices have a 3,18 mm [0.125 in]
diameter shaft that is available in a range of lengths. Most
configurations have either a standard or split locking 3/8-32 NEF-
2A bushing in panel seal or no panel seal versions. The shaft/
bushing materials are nickel-plated brass or thermoplastic. They
are available in metal/metal, plastic/plastic or a combination of the
two. Custom designs are available upon request.
The 392 Series and RV6 Series are available in resistances from
100 Ohm to 5 MOhm, inclusive. Tapers include linear, log, and
antilog to meet a wide range of application requirements.
The RV6 Series devices meet requirements of MIL-R-94 and high
grade industry specifications.
These sensors may potentially be used in a variety of
Transportation, Industrial and Medical applications to adjust an
analog signal level via a separate knob or a dial, and as a control
input for an electronic circuit.
Solutions
Figure 5. Walkie-talkies
Figure 2. Light switchesFigure 1. Sound mixer
Figure 4. OscilloscopeFigure 3. Multimeter
Figure 6.Thermostat
Potential Applications
INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL
• Audio and visual equipment (e.g., guitars, sound
mixers, projectors): Volume, tone, brightness, contrast,
and other signal controls (See Figure 1.)
• Light switches: Dimmer control (See Figure 2.)
• Hand-held equipment (e.g., multimeters and mobile
monitoring devices): Dial selection (See Figure 3.)
• Test and measurement equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes):
Signal control, dial selection (See Figure 4.)
• Communications equipment (e.g. walkie-talkies): Dial
selection (See Figure 5.)
• Thermostats: Dial selection (See Figure 6.)