Write short note on: Potentiometer

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### Potentiometer

**Definition:** Variable resistor with wiper, converts **linear/angular position to voltage**.

**Construction:** Resistive track (carbon/conductive plastic/wire) + wiper sliding, 3 terminals: two ends + wiper.

**Working:** Supply $V_{ref}$ across track, wiper voltage $V_o = V_{ref} \cdot (x/L)$, $x$ position. Linear pot $V\propto x$, rotary $V\propto	heta$.

**Advantages:** Cheap, simple, absolute (no homing), low power.

**Disadvantages:** Contact wear, friction, limited resolution, noise, limited life, loading.

**Applications:** Robot joint position feedback (low-cost), joystick, volume control, calibration.

**Final:** Potentiometer $V_o=V_{ref}x/L$ cheap absolute position but wear.

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