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

Adjustability

Adjustability (A) is the accuracy of wiper positioning; a subjective measure of the accuracy with which a potentiometer can be set properly in an active circuit within a specified time limit. Adjustability may be specified for both the voltage divider mode and the variable current (rheostat) mode.