Introduction - Basic Potentiometer Theory • Resistors • Building Potentiometers • Modern Variable Resistive Devices • Applications Modes • The Parts of a Potentiometer • Resistive Elements • Cermet • Conductive Plastic • Hybrid Elements • Terminations • Contacts • Electrical Parameters • Total Resistance • Minimum Resistance • End Resistance • Contact Resistance • Contact Resistance Variation • Equivalent Noise Resistance • Output Smoothness • Adjustability • Temperature Coefficient • Resolution • Conformity • Linearity • Power Rating • Summary of Electrical Parameters • Useful Terms

Minimum Resistance

Minimum resistance (MR) is the lowest value of resistance obtainable between the wiper and either end terminal. Minimum resistance is always specified as a maximum. This seems contradictory, but the specification is a level of resistance at or below which the wiper can be set.

For many potentiometers, it is possible to find MR when the moveable contact is set at the mechanical end stop near an end terminal.