[sdiy] Resolution of analogue potentiometers?

[Neil Johnson]

Michael Zacherl wrote:
> Hi, I thought this already has been discussed but couldn't find the
> thread: How's the actual resolution of the resistive track of an
> analogue potentiometer specified? On some data sheets I read "< 0.1°"
> for a rotative pot.
>
> for instance, in terms of pitch control over a very wide range, using
> a multiturn pot or trimmer, where are the limits for the resistive
> tracks and pots at all? Technically speaking, leaving practical
> aspects aside for a moment.

For any potentiometer questions I always start with:

http://www.bourns.com/data/global/pdfs/OnlinePotentiometerHandbook.pdf

For non-wirewound pots (carbon, cermet, conductive plastic) you are 
talking about the output smoothness.  See page 163 of the above PDF 
(they screwed up the page ordering during scanning.... sigh).  Also 
check out adjustability on PDF page 165.  The term resolution is only 
applicable to wirewound pots apparently -- see PDF page 168 onwards.

Paul Anderson wrote:
> I'm not sure I understand your question? They're analog, so the
> change is continuous.

Like all analogue components they have real, measurable, physical 
imperfections.  Even more so with electromechanical components like 
potentiometers.

Cheers,
Neil
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