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A potentiometer is a measuring instrument commonly used to measure and control linear motion in industrial-grade machines. They can also be used to control smaller electrical devices. Potentiometers translate a linear, or rotary, displacement into a change in resistance. These are the methods for testing the linearity of a potentiometer.About Linear Potentiometers Potentiometers with a linear output have a linear relationship between mechanical travel and output voltage. Linear …

It’s hard to imagine a world without joysticks or rocker switches. Used to control various machines such as aircraft, cranes, trucks, wheelchairs, these control components are vital for their successful operation. Invented in 1926, by C.B. Mirick at the United States Naval Research Lab, they have even been regularly used as part of the NASA Apollo missions to control the lunar lander test models. How Does a Rocker Switch Work? A joystick is a control column that directs moveme …

Linear variable differential transformers (LVDT) are used to measure displacement, and operate on the principle of a transformer. LVDT linear position sensors can measure movements as small as a few millionths of an inch up to ±30 inches. This type of electromechanical transducer is common and can change the rectilinear motion of an object, that it’s coupled to mechanically, to a corresponding electrical signal.Linear Displacement Measurement Explained To put it simply, linear (or posi …

Flow control valves help regulate the pressure of a flow of fluid in a pneumatic system. If your current flow controls are allowing air to leak out of the pneumatic system or experiencing other problems, then your system can’t operate at full potential. In some cases, such issues could mean you’re operating an unsafe system that could malfunction at any time. While this could cause huge losses for manufacturers that rely on pneumatic systems for mixing and measuring purposes, the truth …

One of the most widely used types of load cells is the strain gauge load cell. It’s a transducer that creates electrical resistance when under strain or pressure. The electrical resistance is directly proportional to the strain placed on the load cell to produce accurate measurements. Electrical resistance from the strain gauge is linear and can be changed into a value for force or weight if needed. It’s comprised of four strain gauges in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A Wheatstone …