Introduction • On Trimmers I • On Trimmers II • On Trimmers III • Shafts Actuators (Multiturn) • Shafts Actuator (Single-Turn) • Product Offering • Surface Mounted Trimmers • Through Hole • Industrial Sealed • Open Frame • Application Specific • Low Current • Center Tapped • High Voltage • Military Grade • Packaging • Part Numbering System • Trimmer Specifications • Competition • Useful Terms •

Introduction

So far in this program, you have gained a basic understanding of how electrical circuits work and the most important performance specifications of potentiometers. You have also learned the main parts of a potentiometer and a brief history of its development. It is now time to take a close look at Bourns® potentiometers.*

Our potentiometers are direct descendants of the first trimming potentio-meter (trimmer), invented by Marlan Bourns. Today, Bourns is the world's largest manufacturer of industrial grade and military trimmers. So, you will be selling a large, well-accepted product line. In fact, trimmers will represent the bulk of your Bourns business!

The main benefits of your successfully completing this module are that:

  • you will be better able to understand your customer's needs
  • you will feel more confident about talking to your customer about trimmers
  • you will be able to help your customer select the Bourns® trimmer*
  • that best meets your customer's needs
Bourns' objective for this module is to provide you with basic information on trimmers. When you have completed this module, you should be able to remember:
  • the basic configurations of trimmers
  • the key construction details for each of the basic configurations
  • the features and benefits of wirewound and cermet elements
In addition, you should be able to:
  • understand the contents and organization of the Bourns Product Catalog, so that you can find the information you need, especially the major trimmer specifications
  • explain the major specifications for trimmers
  • use the Standard Part Number Tables to find standard part numbers


*Bourns' Trimpot trimming potentiometers will be referred to as trimmers and potentiometers in this training program.