In this video, we will demonstrate how to test a Linear Potentiometer sensor.
To perform this task, you will need the following tools and materials:
- A DC power supply
- A DC voltmeter with a sensitivity of at least 20, 000 Ohms per Volt
- A Linear Potentiometer
- A 4-inch long insulated copper jumper wire, stripped a 1/4 of an inch at both ends
A 3-wire Linear Potentiometer circuit is a variable voltage divider. As the wiper moves along the resistive element, it provides an output voltage proportional to its shaft displacement. The full-scale output voltage is equivalent to the excitation voltage. For example, an excitation voltage of 10 Volts DC would produce an output of 0 to 10 Volts DC.
Begin by attaching the jumper wire to the negative terminal of the power supply
Next, attach the sensor’s positive excitation wire to the positive terminal of the power supply.
Then attach the sensor’s negative excitation wire to the negative terminal of the power supply.
Connect the positive lead of the DC voltmeter to the sensor’s signal output wire.
Connect the negative lead of the DC voltmeter to the jumper wire that is attached to the negative terminal of the DC power supply.
Set the voltmeter to measure DC voltage.
Set the DC power supply output to 10 volts DC.
With the Linear Potentiometer’s shaft fully extended, the voltmeter should display 10 Volts DC.
With the Linear Potentiometer’s shaft fully retracted, the voltmeter should display 0 Volts DC.
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