Resistor potentiometers can be found in electronic circuits across a wide spectrum of applications. Typically they function in configurations where they are used to execute offset or adjust gain. Until recently the mechanical potentiometer has been the only one of choice, having a wide variety of values available and tight specifications; such as nominal resistance and temperature. But in many applications the over-riding factors against using the mechanical potentiometer are related to environmental, reliability, and repeatability issues. These short-comings have contributed to the adoption of alternative circuit solutions.

The digital potentiometer (Fig. 1) brings the designer back to the potentiometer element by providing a reliable alternative, offering a solution with superior environmental tolerance to shock and improved mechanical reliability because of the absence of the mechanical wiper. In addition to these improvements, the digital potentiometer has programmability which is a significant advantage as microcontrollers and microprocessors continue to dominate the total electronic solution. The programmability also allows the user to repeatedly and reliably return to the same wiper position.

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