# Help with understanding potentiometers?

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1. Mar 16, 2014

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Consider 2 wires, A and B, tied together at both ends, and call the point they are tied together point X. Wire B does not bend (it stays fixed) and only wire A bends. You need to measure the angle of wire A relative to wire B. When the wires are fully bent around point X, and are side by side, the angle is 0. When wire A is extended outward in the same plane as the top of wire B, wire A would be at 90 degrees. Assume that you have a large single–turn potentiometer (figure 1, maximum resistance = 100 kilo-ohms) where the wiper can rotate freely from a center on point X . Assume the maximum angle to be 120 degrees.

1) Derive an equation to describe the resistance measured across the output voltage (see figure 1) as a function of the angle.
2) Design an op-amp based circuit to output a voltage corresponding to the angle of wire A relative to wire B. Choose an input voltage and resistance values such that the maximum output of the circuit is either +5V or -5V.
3) Derive an equation that relates the voltage output to the angle of wire A relative to wire B.

2. Relevant equations

This is part of my problem...I'm not really sure what the relevant equations are. I know that for a basic potentiometer, it can be thought of as a voltage divider. One end of the resistor where the output is placed is R1 and the other end is R2, so RL = R1 + R2. And then you have a fraction setting x (Im not really sure what this is, but its in my notes..). So R1 = x*RL and R2 = (1-x)*RL. So the voltage divider equation comes out as Vo = Vi(R2/RL) = (1-x)*Vi. This is all I know.

3. The attempt at a solution

Firstly, I can draw and attach a picture of the setup of the two wires if anyone feels I need to clarify it. My professor said Im thinking of it correctly.

For 1, I have a feeling that if I can use the above I can relate R and theta. The problem is that I'm not fully understanding how the potentiometer circuit works, or what x represents and if x is analogous to theta. Surprisingly, I'm having a hard time finding some resources online which further explain the concepts I need.

2 is the scary one. I dont even know where to begin with this one. Im not sure what concept my professor is looking for here but I have no idea how I can design such a circuit. The thing is, I know that 3 shouldnt be bad with 2, I think I OK with deriving circuit equations.

I would really appreciate any help or hints or even resources someone could give me for this problem. Its very weird for me to so completely lost on a problem.

Edit: Im not sure if this should go in engineering or advanced physics. Could a mod help? Sorry Im still new to this.

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2. Mar 17, 2014

### Simon Bridge

The idea of a potentiometer is like this - a length L of (Ohmic) resistor material is laid along the x axis from x=0 to x=L. Electrical contacts are placed at the origin and at x=L and a variable contact can be moved between these limits.

If the resistance is measured between the origin and point x: 0<x<L then R(x)=Rx/L
If L=1 unit, then x will have a fractional value.

In your case, the "x axis" is laid out on the circumference of a circle.

Have you never seen a potentiometer before - never touched one?

Do this: get a ruler and fix a length of nichrome wire to it.
Put an alligator clip at each end, and another that can be slid clipped to the middle of the wire.
That is a potentiometer. Check that the resistance between either end and the slider varies with the position of the slider.

3. Mar 17, 2014

Hey Simon,

OK, I think I'm starting to understand how they work a little more. And you're correct, I've never seen a potentiometer before, much less use one. I'll absolutely do what you suggested once I have access to some wires and a multimeter (I'm snowed in at the moment).

So regarding what you first said, for #1, in this case since x has a fractional value then x = theta/120 (since max angle is 120). And since the max resistance is 100 k-ohms, Im thinking the equation should be:

R(θ) = 100 kΩ * (θ/120).

For the next part, how do you suggested I go about making the circuit? I know that the input voltage needs to be 5V, and that one of the resistors (if there needs to be more than one) has to be R(θ). But should it be that output voltage increases with the angle or the other way around. And I how would I know where to the resistor(s) and the positive and negative supply for the op amp?

Sorry for the further questions, but I already really appreciate the help you've given me. Definitely feel a little bit better about the question right now.

4. Mar 19, 2014

### Simon Bridge

1. that equation would be correct - you seem to have the right idea.

I'd write: $r(\theta) = R\theta /\Theta : R=100\text{k}\Ohms, \Theta=120^\circ$ ... but it's the same difference - I just don't like to put the numbers in until I absolutely have to.

2. The circuit:
Shorthand for "potentiometer" is "pot".

A pot has three terminals - one at each end of the resister, and another that can slide on the resistor.
The symbol reflects this.

Basically pick one end to measure resistance from - the resistance between that end and the "arrow" is $r(\theta)$, the resistance between the arrow and the other end is $R-r(\theta)$.

You are going to be rigging a voltage divider circuit where those are the two resistances.

3. physical pot
You should also find or buy commercial pots - get an old radio or TV perhaps.
The knobs on an old car stereo tape-deck are pots. Take one apart.
Surplus electronics stores are usually lousey with old salvaged pots.