Tech enthusiasts are always in search of the best devices to improve their circuit system performance. Among these devices, there is the potentiometer variable resistor. A potentiometer is composted of a positive, ground and a wiper terminal. A Digital Potentiometer (digipot) is a digitally controlled three terminal device used to vary the resistance in a circuit. Digipots are used to trim and scale analog signals to improve system performance. Simply put, a digipot is an analog output controlled by a digital input. In this post we will cover the specific features of a digital potentiometer that improve system performance.
Protect Against Environmental Factors
A Digital Potentiometer protects circuit systems against adverse environmental stimuli. The digipot is an integrated chip (IP) that accepts signal input rather than the physical movement of a shaft in the circuit for adjustment. This allows them to be encapsulated. They are thus an ideal choice for systems where particles like dirt, dust, moisture or grease can potentially interfere with functioning. Digipots are also less vulnerable to vibrations than their counterparts. They are less accessible to physical tampering and can offer more features than a mechanical pot. Digital potentiometers offer features that protect against environmental factors to improve system performance.
Operate In A Controlled Loop
Digital potentiometers operate in a closed control loop. This means that they do not require physical access for adjustments. This allows adjustments to be made more rapidly to improve system performance within printed circuit boards and other devices. Digipots have higher resolution than mechanical pots. This means that they offer better stability, reliability, and dynamic control than their counterparts. Being digital, they also offer a smaller footprint and a lower chance of errors. Digipots improve the circuit system performance by operating in a closed control loop.
Ranging Size And Values
Digipot resistors are available in a wide range of values. Digital potentiometers are integrated circuits (ICs). Compared to conventional potentiometers, digipots are relatively tiny. This means that multiple digipots can be packed on a chip and ICs with up to 6 channels available. Additionally, digital resistors are available in a wide range of values, with 10 kΩ as the most used. Other common values are 5, 50 and 100 kΩ. Standard tolerance is about 20%. However, digital potentiometers today offer a tolerance that is down to approx 1%. This makes digipots an ideal and flexible potentiometer option for a circuit system. Digital potentiometers offer a range of sizes and values to improve system performance.
Set Voltage Of Power Supply
Digipots are also used to set the output voltage of a power supply. Fixed resistors are used to set the output voltage of a power supply because they are simple to use and low cost. For these networks to function properly, they must use a potentiometer in the feedback network to set the output voltage. This allows for easier automatic calibration. Compared to the mechanical options for this potentiometer, digipots do not move significantly with age or vibration. On top of that, they can even be re calibrated remotely. As a result, digital pots do not suffer from noteworthy aging effects. This makes them simpler to adjust automatically in final system tests.
Offer Programable Options
One-time programmable (OTP) digital potentiometers are dual channel 256-position devices that improve system performance. These digipots employ fuse link technology to achieve memory retention of resistance setting function in a circuit. OTP digipots are a cost effective option for users who don’t need to program their digital potentiometer more than once. They allow unlimited adjustment before permanently setting the resistance value. Once the OTP is activated, though, a permanent fuse is blown and the final value is determined. This freezes the wiper position at one given setting. These devices offer enhanced resolution, solid-state reliability, and better temperature and coefficient performance. OTP digipot options that allow for ease of function and improved system performance.
Digital potentiometers are variable resistors that work to improve circuit system functioning and performance. Digipots are encapsulated IP systems that provide protection against environmental molecules. They also operate in a controlled loop that allows easy adjustments that boost performance. These potentiometers are available in a wide range of sizes and values and offer a tolerance down to 1%. They provide a reliable digital option for setting the voltage of a power supply. Certain digipots also offer a one-time programmable option to set and secure memory retention. These are some of the features that help digital potentiometers improve circuit system performance.
