Electronic – Rotational Life of potentiometer

potentiometer

I notice that the mechanical life of some trimpot potentiometers specified in unit "cycles". But what "cycle" exactly mean?

Best Answer

Test condition most certainly is moving forth-and-back the whole strip because that's the way the wiper has most wear.

But for any application, a cycle means "one move forth and back" on whichever strip of the potentiometer used. Most potentiometers aren't trimmed back and forth the whole strip but the thing is still broken as soon any spot on the used part has reached the wear limit.

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