Application Notes

1
Trimming Potentiometers

Styles and Construction 1-90

Terms and Definitions 1-91

Electrical Characteristics 1-94

Mechanical Characteristics 1-95

Application Basics 1-96

Cermet Advantages 1-99

Circuit Design Considerations 1-101

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

TRIMMING POTENTIOMETERS

The material in this section is intended to provide THE WIPER OR MOVING CONTACT
you with guidelines and thoughts to consider during
the selection and application of BI Technologies line The wiper is also a major contributor to good
of trimming potentiometers. Proper component usage electrical performance. It must make reliable
is important in achieving good overall performance, electrical contact with the surface of the cermet
long life, and the lowest cost for your system. We element. The contact resistance must be low and must
have included in these notes additional information not vary substantially as it is moved over the element
that may be helpful in preventing damage to trimmers surface. It must be accurately settable without
that may occur from in-house or outside contract backlash. Lastly, it must remain at its established set
assembly and soldering processes. If you have point without substantial dimensional shifting or
questions that are not covered here, please dont corrosion under all trimmer operating conditions.
hesitate to call and discuss your requirements with
our application engineers. BI TECHNOLOGIES MATERIALS AND
CONSTRUCTION
TRIMMER STYLES, CONSTRUCTION, AND
COMPONENT PARTS The combination of proprietary cermet element
technology, precious metal brush contacts and
There are three basic trimmer styles and their swaged pin element connections used in BI trimmers
variations in this catalog. They are: permits the manufacture of precision, high quality
trimmers that span the resistance range from 10 ohms
Round single turn to over 5 megohms. The small size and planar
Square multiturn construction of these trimmers minimize stray circuit
Rectangular multiturn reactances and permit the trimmers to perform well in
many high frequency applications.
The basic components of each are the cermet
Leadscrew
resistance element, the wiper, and the rotor or slider
Precision brass leadscrew cuts its own grooves in the
and its drive mechanism that moves the wiper on the teflon rotor so that the operation of the rotor is free of
element. All must be designed and manufactured to backlash. Setability is excellent.
operate together with high precision over a broad
temperature range. Sealing Grooves
Leadscrew has specially cut grooves to ensure a
watertight seal.
THE CERMET RESISTANCE ELEMENT

Ceramic Substrate
The cermet element is fundamentally responsible for High density substrate provides an excellent base for
the electrical performance of the trimmer. Key the element and is a good conductor of heat.
performance parameters such as the basic resistance
Cermet Element
value, temperature coefficient, voltage coefficient, BIs proprietary cermet element matches the materials
resolution, and contact resistance variation (CRV) in the wirebrush so that CRV is minimized and the
are directly related to the element construction. high temperature setability is excellent.

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

TEFLON ROTOR HOUSING

LEADSCREW

SEALING
GROOVES

CERAMIC
SUBSTRATE
CERMET
RESISTANCE
ELEMENT
BRUSH
WIPER

Swaged Pins 1.1 LIST OF SYMBOLS

BIs pin connections, which are swaged to the
substrate, are free of solder and maintain high
1.1.1 ELECTRICAL
conductivity with time and temperature cycling.

1 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS E - Total applied voltage

e - Output voltage
The terms and definitions used in this catalog have e/E - Output ratio
been edited from the Variable Resistive Components ENR - Equivalent noise resistance
Institute (VRCI) data for trimming potentiometers. Vm - Minimum voltage
Rt - Total resistance
VRCI publishes generally accepted terms, Re - End resistance
definitions, and test standards for trimming Rm - Absolute minimum resistance
potentiometers, and for other variable resistive RL - Load resistance
devices. If you would like additional information or TC - Temperature coefficient of resistance
definition on industry standards, please contact one RTC - Resistance temperature characteristic
of our application engineers. CRV - Contact resistance variation
CT - Center tap
SL - Wiper (slider)
P - Power handling capability in watts

1.1.2 MECHANICAL

CW - Clockwise rotation
CCW - Counterclockwise rotation
ST - Single turn trimming potentiometer

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

MT - Multiturn, screw actuated trimming of the element and the electrical terminals connected
potentiometer to each end of the element or at an intermediate
SS - Stops, solid point such as a center tap.
C - Continuous rotation
SC - Stops, clutch action
L - Insulated wire lead terminals 1.2.3 ADJUSTMENT SHAFT:
P - Pin terminals, flat base mount The mechanical input member of a trimming
normally for printed circuit potentiometer which when actuated causes the wiper
application to traverse the resistance element resulting in a
W - Edge mounted terminals, adjustment
change in output voltage or resistance.
shaft 180 from terminals
X - Edge mounted terminals, adjustment
shaft 90 from terminals 1.2.3.1 SINGLE TURN ADJUSTMENT:
S - Solder lug Requires 360 or less mechanical input to cause the
wiper to traverse the total resistance element.
1.2 GENERAL TERMS

1.2.3.2 MULTITURN ADJUSTMENT:

1.2.1 TRIMMING POTENTIOMETER:
Requires more than 360 mechanical adjustment to
An electrical mechanical device with three
cause the wiper to traverse the total resistance
terminals. Two terminals are connected to the ends
element.
of a resistive element and one terminal is connected
to a movable conductive contact which slides over
1.2.4 TERMINAL:
the element, thus allowing the input voltage to be
An external member that provides electrical access
divided as a function of the mechanical input. It can
to the resistance element and wiper.
function as either a voltage divider or rheostat.

1.2.4.1 LEADWIRE TYPE: (L)

1.2.1.1 WIREWOUND TRIMMING
Flexible insulated conductor.
POTENTIOMETER:
A trimming potentiometer characterized by a
1.2.4.2 PRINTED CIRCUIT TERMINAL:(P, W&X)
resistance element made up of turns of wire on
Rigid uninsulated electrical conductor so arranged,
which the wiper contacts only a small portion of
suitable for printed circuit board plug-in.
each turn.

1.2.4.3 SOLDER LUG TERMINAL: (S)

1.2.1.2 NON-WIREWOUND TRIMMING
Rigid uninsulated electrical conductor so arranged,
POTENTIOMETER:
suitable for external lead attachment.
A trimming potentiometer characterized by the
continuous nature of the surface area of the
1.2.5 WIPER: (SL)
resistance element to be contacted. Contact is
The wiper is the member in contact with the
maintained over a continuous, unbroken path. The
resistive element that allows the output to be varied
resistance is achieved by using material
with the mechanical member adjustment.
compositions other than wire such as carbon,
conductive plastic, metal film and cermet.
1.2.6 STOP-CLUTCH: (SC)
1.2.2 RESISTANCE ELEMENT: A device which allows the wiper to idle at the ends
A continuous, unbroken length of resistive material of the resistive element without damage as the
without joints, bonds or welds except at the junction adjustment shaft continues to be actuated in the
same direction.
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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

1.2.7 STOP-SOLID: (SS) 2.3 LOAD TERMS 1

A positive limit to mechanical and/or electrical
adjustment. 2.3.1 LOAD RESISTANCE: (R L )
An external resistance as seen by the Output
1.2.8 STACKING: Voltage (connected between the wiper terminal and
The mounting of one trimming potentiometer the designated reference point).
adjacent to or on top of another utilizing the same
mounting hardware. 3 ROTATION AND TRANSLATION

1.2.9 THEORETICAL RESOLUTION: 3.1 DIRECTION OF TRAVEL:

(Wirewound only) The theoretical measurement of Clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW)
sensitivity to which the output ratio may be adjusted rotation when viewing the adjustment shaft end of
and is the reciprocal of the number of turns of wire the potentiometer. The designation of terminals in
in resistance winding expressed as a percentage. the figure corresponds to the direction of wiper
travel.
N = Total number of resistance wire turns.
3.2 MECHANICAL TRAVEL
1/N X 100 = Theoretical resolution percent.

2 INPUT AND OUTPUT TERMS CCW CW

YELLOW GREEN
1 3

2.1 INPUT TERMS RED 2 CW SHAFT ROTATION

SL

2.1.1 TOTAL APPLIED VOLTAGE: (e) Figure 3.1 Circuit and Travel Diagram
The total voltage applied between the
designated input terminals. 3.2.1 MECHANICAL TRAVEL - SOLID STOPS: (SS)
The total travel of the adjustment shaft between
2.2 OUTPUT TERMS integral stops. Continuity must be maintained
throughout the travel.
2.2.1 OUTPUT VOLTAGE: (e)
The voltage between the wiper terminal and the 3.2.2 MECHANICAL TRAVEL - CLUTCHING
designated reference point. Unless otherwise ACTION: (SC)
specified, the designated reference point is the The total travel of the adjustment shaft between the
CCW terminal (See 3.1). points where clutch actuation begins. Continuity
must be maintained throughout the travel and during
2.2.2 OUTPUT RATIO clutch actuation.
(OUTPUT VOLTAGE RATIO): (e/E)
The ratio of the output voltage to the designated 3.2.3 MECHANICAL TRAVEL - CONTINUOUS
input reference voltage. Unless otherwise specified, ROTATION: (C)
the reference voltage is the total applied voltage. The total travel of the adjustment shaft when the
wiper movement is unrestricted at either end of the
resistive element as the adjustment shaft continues
to be actuated.

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

3.3 ADJUSTMENT TRAVEL (ELECTRICAL): Where:

The total travel of the adjustment shaft between R1 = Resistance at reference temperature in ohms
minimum and maximum output voltages. R2 = Resistance at test temperature in ohms
T1 = Reference temperature in degrees celsius
3.4 CONTINUITY TRAVEL: T2 = Test temperature in degrees celsius
The total travel of the shaft over which electrical
continuity is maintained between the wiper and the 4.5 RESISTANCE-TEMPERATURE
resistance element. CHARACTERISTIC: (RTC)
The difference between the total resistance values
4 GENERAL ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS measured at a reference temperature of 25C and the
specified test temperature expressed as a percent of
4.1 TOTAL RESISTANCE: (R t )
The dc resistance between the input terminals with
the wiper positioned to either end stop, or in dead R2 R1
RTC = x 100
band for continuous rotation potentiometers. R1

4.2 ABSOLUTE MINIMUM RESISTANCE: (R m )

The resistance measured between the wiper terminal the Total Resistance.
and each end terminal with the wiper positioned to Where:
give a minimum value. R1 = Resistance at reference temperature (25C)
in ohms
4.3 END RESISTANCE: (R e ) R2 = Resistance at the test temperature in ohms
The resistance measured between the wiper terminal
and an end terminal when the wiper is positioned at 4.6 CONTACT RESISTANCE VARIATION: (CRV)
the corresponding end of mechanical travel. The apparent resistance seen between the wiper and
Absolute minimum resistance and end resistance are the resistance element when the wiper is energized
synonymous for continuous rotation trimmers. with a specified current and moved over the
adjustment travel in either direction at a constant
4.4 TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT OF speed. The output variations are measured over a
RESISTANCE: (TC) specified frequency bandwidth, exclusive of the
The unit change in resistance per degree celsius effects due to roll-on or roll-off of the terminations
change from a reference temperature, expressed in and is expressed in ohms or % of Rt.
parts per million per degree celsius as follows:

TEST TRIMMER

R2 R1 OUTPUT OR
TC = x 10 6 BAND
PASS
CONTACT

R 1 ( T 2 T 1) CURRENT
SOURCE
FILTER
RESISTANCE
VARIATION

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

4.7 EQUIVALENT NOISE RESISTANCE: (ENR) 4.12 POWER RATING: 1

(Wirewound only) Any spurious variation in the The maximum power that a trimming potentiometer
electrical output not present in the input, defined can dissipate across the total resistive element under
quantitatively in terms of an equivalent parasitic, specified conditions while meeting specified
transient resistance in ohms, appearing between the performance requirements.
contact and the resistive element when the shaft is
rotated or translated. The Equivalent Noise Resistance 4.13 LIFE
is defined independently of the resolution, functional
characteristics and the total travel. The magnitude of 4.13.1 ROTATIONAL LIFE:

the Equivalent Noise Resistance is the maximum The number of cycles obtainable under specific
departure from a specific reference line. The wiper of operating conditions while remaining within
the potentiometer is required to be excited by a specified allowable degradation. A cycle is defined
specific current and moved at a specific speed. as one complete traversal of the wiper over the
resistive element in both directions.
4.8 CONTINUITY:
4.13.2 LOAD LIFE:
Continuity is the maintenance of continuous
The number of hours at which a device may
electrical contact between the wiper and both end
dissipate rated power under specified operating
terminals of the resistive element.
conditions while remaining within specified
allowable degradations.
4.9 SETTING STABILITY:
The amount of change in the output voltage,
4.14 ADJUSTABILITY:
without readjustment, expressed as a percentage of
Defines the precision with which the output of a
the total applied voltage.
device can be set to the desired value.

4.10 DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 4.14.1 ADJUSTABILITY

The ability to withstand the application of a (OUTPUT RESISTANCE):
specified potential of a given characteristic, The precision with which the output resistance of a
between the terminals and all other external device can be set to the desired value.
conducting member such as shaft, housing and
mounting hardware without exceeding a specified 4.14.2 ADJUSTABILITY
leakage current value. (OUTPUT VOLTAGE RATIO):
The precision with which the output voltage ratio of
4.11 INSULATION RESISTANCE: a device can be set to the desired value.
The resistance to a specified dc voltage impressed
between the terminals and all other external 5 GENERAL MECHANICAL
conducting members such as shaft, housing and CHARACTERISTICS
mounting hardware.
5.1 TORQUE

5.1.1 STARTING (OPERATING) TORQUE:

The maximum moment in the clockwise and
counterclockwise directions required to initiate shaft
adjustment anywhere in the mechanical travel.

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

5.1.2 STOP TORQUE: 5.5 IMMERSION SEALED:

The maximum static moment that can be applied to The ability of the unit to withstand submersion in
adjustment shaft at each mechanical stop for a acceptable cleaning solutions used in normal
specified period of time without loss of continuity soldering processes without performance
or mechanical damage affecting operational degradation under specific environmental
characteristics. conditions.

5.2 SOLDERABILITY: APPLICATION BASICS

The ability of the terminals to accept a uniform
coating of solder under specified conditions. A trimmer is generally used in an electrical or
electronic circuit for the purpose of providing minor
5.3 WELDABILITY: adjustments or calibrations. This implies that the
The ability of materials to be welded together under trimmer is not used in the regular operation of the
specified conditions. circuit, but would be required to make initial and
periodic adjustments to compensate for circuit
5.4 TERMINAL STRENGTH: variables. This implies that the trimmer must be able
The ability of the terminals to withstand specified to remain at its setting for long periods of time
mechanical stresses without sustaining damage that without variation in setting or contact resistance.
would affect utility of the terminals or operation of
the trimming potentiometer.

VOLTAGE ADJUSTMENT CURRENT ADJUSTMENT

VOLTAGE
V
SOURCE

}
CURRENT +
SOURCE

} OUTPUT
VOLTS
OUTPUT
VOLTS

Wiper current small due to high load impedance

Potentiometer Configuration Wiper current is large. Most of the current flows through the wiper.
Rheostat Configuration

A trimmer can be used as potentiometer or rheostat.

A potentiometer is a three terminal device typically
used to vary voltage. In potentiometric
configurations, the wiper terminal is lightly loaded
so that wiper current is generally small.

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

A rheostat is a two terminal device typically used to Reference BI multiturn models: 1

control current. Wiper current is generally larger in Square multiturns - 44, 64, 66, 67, 68
rheostat circuits. Rectangular multiturns 78, 89
2. Single Turns
I. Types of Applications Single turn resolution for models with
The majority of applications for trimmers occur in a longer cermet element (larger
electronic circuits. diameter) is quite respectable. This is
Typical uses are in the following devices: especially true with BI wire brush
A. Amplifiers contacts and smooth cermet films.
B. Timing circuits Reference BI single turn models:
C. Voltage and current regulators Small diameter - 24, 25, 62, 82
D. Voltage and frequency converters Larger diameter - 72, 91, 93
3. Surface Mount Models
II. Selection Criteria Single turn - 21, 23, 83
The initial considerations for trimmer type Multiturn - 44, 84
selection are:
A. Resolution of adjustment Call for application assistance if high resolution
B. Setability and time to set is critical in your application.
C. Physical and environmental conditions
D. Stability of setting required B. Setability and Time to Set
E. Circuit packaging requirements The enemies of setability are poor
resolution, mechanical backlash and high
A. Resolution of Adjustment CRV. BI has addressed these problems in
1. Multiturns the design of trimmer models. BIs
Multiturns provide better resolution smooth cermet materials, precious metal
than single turns. Models with a split brush contacts and teflon rotors work
longer element exhibit better together to provide outstanding setability.
resolution than those with a short
element. Typical multiturn shaft Time to set tests show the following:
revolutions range from 15 to 20 turns
for end to end travel. Setting Attributes Single Turn Multiturn
The contact design and stability are High accuracy Best
important considerations in achieving Fastest to high accuracy Best
high resolution. The contact area must Fastest to approximate Best
be small and the contact must move setting
smoothly in order to provide high C. Physical and Environmental Issues
resolution. A noisy contact will make 1. Physical considerations in trimmer
accurate setting very difficult. selection
All BI trimmers utilize smooth cermet Case style desired
materials, precious metal wire brush Top or side adjust
contacts and backlash-free wiper Pin style required
designs that ensure high resolution Mechanical support required
setability. Board height requirements

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

excellent, low resistance, non-corroding

interface. The contact drive structure
2. Assembly process considerations and materials are chosen for their
BI offers a variety of trimmer models stability and compatibility. The high
that are sealed to help protect against contact forces utilized at the
moisture and board washing processes. brush/element interface reduce
Open vs. Sealed susceptibility to shock and vibration.
Max time/temperature exposure The circuit designer can contribute
3. Environmental operating considerations significantly to short term operating and
Operating temperature range long term stability by mounting the
Resistance temperature coefficient trimmer away from high thermal
Vibration and shock tolerance gradients, hot spots and sources of
4. Human operating conditions excessive vibration.
When you complete your design, be
careful to consider the tortures that E. Circuit Packaging
clever human beings with a screwdriver BI manufactures trimmers in a variety
in hand can impose on trimmers. For of package styles and sizes. The chances
example, while a trimmer configuration are excellent that stock models are
mounted on edge might be a board locally available that will fit your
space saver, a trimmer that mounts flat requirements. Models include both pin
on the board may be more resistant to style and surface mount single and
abuse by a heavy handed technician multiturn configurations. Special
making adjustments through a hole in electrical and mechanical features are
the chassis. available for specific customer
If you have questions about your options, call BI applications. Call your local
application engineers. We will help. representative or the factory direct for
information on special packaging.
D. Stability of Setting
It is highly desirable that once the
trimmer has been set, it should remain
at that setting independent of time,
operating temperature changes,
vibration, shock and humidity. This
property of stability is largely a factor of
the compatibility of the materials at the
moving contact interface and the
thermal matching of the elements of the
trimmer structure.
BI uses noble metals in both the wire
brush contact and the cermet element.
These materials are relatively soft,
highly compatible and provide an

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

1
CHARACTERISTICS WIREWOUND NON WIREWOUND TRIMMERS
Cermet Hot-Mold Carbon Carbon Film Thin-Metal Film
Setting Ability Poor to Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Resistance Range Low to Medium Low thru High Medium to High Medium to High Low to Medium
Power Rating Medium High Low Low Medium
Temp Coefficient Lowest Low to Med High High Low
Environmental Stability
High Temperature Good to Exc. Excellent Poor Fair Excellent
Load Life Good to Exc. Excellent Fair Fair Excellent
Humidity Good to Exc. Excellent Poor Poor Excellent
Rotational Life Good Excellent Good Good Fair
Rheostat Usage Good Fair to Good Poor Poor Fair
AC Usage Fair Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND THE

CERMET ADVANTAGE

1. Essentially infinite resolution. Proprietary

cermet BI film materials and wire brush
technology produce a cermet trimmer that
provides essentially infinite resolution. TRIMMER OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE WITH RESPECT TO
OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE (PERCENT)

REFERENCE VOLTAGE IN VOLTAGE DIVIDER APPLICATION

4
Wirewound trimmers are limited in resolution
(SOURCE RESISTANCE = APPROX 33% OF TRIMMER R)
because each wire turn appears as a definite 3
WIREWOUND TRIMMERS
step during adjustment. As a result, a 2
wirewounds best setting ability is in the order of
1
0.17%, and this is possible only at resistance BI CERMET TRIMMERS

values of 50K and 100K ohms where very fine

10 100 1K 10K 100K 1MEG 2MEG
fragile wire is used. The cermet element provides
TRIMMER TOTAL RESISTANCE (OHMS)
a setting ability as precise as 0.01%.

14
SETABILITY VS RESISTANCE VALUE 13 TRIMMER OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE WITH RESPECT TO
OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE (PERCENT)

1.0 12 REFERENCE VOLTAGE AS A FUNCTION OF

11 WIPER POSITION IN RHEOSTAT APPLICATION
SETTING ABILITY CR RESOLUTION

0.9
10
0.8
9
0.7 (10:1 RATIO BETWEEN SOURCE RESISTANCE
8
(PERCENT OF R)

WIREWOUND TRIMMER R AND SERIES RESISTANCE)

0.6 7
0.5 6
5
WIREWOUND TRIMMERS (100 )
0.4
4 WIREWOUND
0.3 3 TRIMMERS (100K )
0.2 2
0.1 METAL FILM 1

0.05 BI CERMET 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0.01
10 50 100 1K 10K 100K 1MEG 2MEG WIPER POSITION (PERCENT OF R) BI CERMET TRIMMERS
RANGE OF STANDARD RESISTANCE VALUES (100 TO 2 MEG)

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

2. Wide resistance range. BI cermet trimmer

10
technology covers applications from 10 ohms thru

CHANGE IN TOTAL RESISTANCE

9

CARBON

CARBON
2 megohms. This can simplify and reduce design, 8

(PERCENT OF R)
7

CARBON
6
RESISTANCE RANGE VS ELEMENT TECHNOLOGY 5

WIREWOUND

BI CERMET

WIREWOUND
WIREWOUND
WIREWOUND
4

CARBON

BI CERMET
BI CERMET

BI CERMET
METAL FILM 3
2

CARBON 1

LOAD LIFE HIGH TEMP LOW TEMP MOISTURE

WIREWOUND EXPOSURE OPERATION RESISTANCE

BI CERMET

10 100 1K 10K 100K 1MEG 2MEG

RANGE OF STANDARD RESISTANCE VALUES (OHMS)

testing and stocking costs. 4. Lower costs. Cermet potentiometers not only
perform well, but typically cost less. BI cermet
3. Environmental stability. It is important in most trimmers, for example, are generally priced lower
applications that both the total resistance and than wirewound and metal film competitors.
voltage setting remain relatively unchanged Cermet prices are also generally uniform across
during temperature extremes, long-term load life, the resistance range, whereas other trimmer prices
may vary as much as 100 percent, depending
upon the resistance value desired.
CHANGE IN VOLTAGE SETTING

5. Longer, trouble-free life. The useful operational

life of a cermet trimmer far exceeds that of
(PERCENT)

wirewounds, metal film and carbon units. The

WIREWOUND

WIREWOUND
WIREWOUND

4 cermet element has substantial thickness, and its

CARBON

CARBON

CARBON

3
BI CERMET

BI CERMET

hard surface is resistant to abrasion. Moisture has

BI CERMET

2
1 little or no effect upon the tough cermet element.
0
LOW TEMP HIGH TEMP Unlike wirewounds, the cermet element is fired at
LOAD LIFE
OPERATION OPERATION
high temperature and is free from sudden
mechanical failure.
humidity cycling, shock and vibration. BI cermet
trimming potentiometers show superior resistance 6. Power rating and high temperature. In
stability and excellent voltage setting stability. applications requiring high power and reliable
Certified test reports covering the resistance range operation at extremely high temperatures, cermet
of 100 ohms to 500K show that the average is superior to wirewound technology. Wattage
change in total resistance after 1,000 hour load ratings on cermet pots are consistently higher than
life tests is 0.3% with a maximum observed comparable wirewounds, and the cermet units can
change of 1.25%. withstand power surges several times their rated
wattage. Wirewounds and thin metal film

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

potentiometers are extremely susceptible to more to consider, since the amount of voltage or 1
failure when operated at temperatures or power resistance shift is the product of resolution and
levels above their ratings. Power overloads can wiper stability as well as tempco. In practical
burn out wire, whereas cermet units operate applications, cermet stability is superior to
satisfactorily above rated power limits for wirewounds. If you add in environmental effects
of vibration and shock, cermet wins by an even
POWER RATING VS AMBIENT TEMPERATURE wider margin. The charts illustrate cermet vs
1.50
HIGH TEMP. BI CERMET
wirewound stability in both voltage divider and
1.25
rheostat applications.
1.00
HIGH TEMP. WIREWOUND & METAL FILM
0.75
SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE CIRCUIT
0.50 MIL-R-22097 & MIL-R-27208
DESIGNER
0.25
HIGH TEMP. CARBON

0 50 70 85 100 125 150 175 200

Rotation Conventions
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (DEGREES C) In general, it is preferable to connect the
trimmer so that clockwise rotation:
substantial periods of time. 1. Increases the attribute quantity
2. Moves the position up
7. A.C. performance. Cermet potentiometers 3. Moves the position right
perform at frequencies up to 200 megahertz with There are exceptions. The important thought
minimal phase shift. In wirewounds, there is high is to make the adjustment as intuitive as
phase shift in frequencies over 400 Hz, due to possible.
capacitance from resistance wire to the core and
inductive effects of the coil. Maximum Ratings
Pay attention to maximum voltage, current
8. Reliability. In BIs reliability and quality control and power ratings in both normal and
program, every step and process during non-operating conditions. Non-operating
manufacture is closely controlled to assure conditions, such as warm up, device failure
conformance to stringent BI standards. These and misadjustment, may be easily overlooked
standards are designed to assure maximum in the product design and testing cycles.
reliability in the products end use. Take appropriate steps to establish adjustment
limits through hardware.
9. Tempco. The temperature performance of a
trimmer is based upon more than the tempco of Linear Circuit Applications
the resistance element. In evaluating comparable A. Establishing Limits
wirewound and cermet trimmers, the effect of When a trimmer is properly utilized
tempco is found to be considerably less in cermet in a circuit, the maximum rotation
when other effects such as resolution and setting end to end will provide the
stability are included. To consider wire tempco adjustment range required but will not
alone is like measuring an automobiles operate inappropriate or unsafe circuit
performance strictly on the basis of the engines
horsepower rating. In circuit applications, there is

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

conditions. Define adjustment limits carefully and establish

The rheostat RT in the circuit shown below them with appropriate circuitry.
will become a short circuit when rotated fully
counterclockwise. Limiting resistor RL is B. Dealing With Amplifier Offset Voltage
required to limit both trimmer and transistor
Amplifier voltage offset adjustments
represent a high percentage of
I trimmer applications.
Offset voltages can occur due to the
following:
+V 1. Amplifier internal imbalances
2. Amplifier supply voltage
imbalances
LIMITING 3. Unbalanced input circuitry
RESISTOR RL 4. Externally-caused thermal EMFs
TRIMMER
generated on the circuit card
All of the above can change with time,
RT
ambient temperature and varying input
CW circuit conditions.

There are two general types of voltage

offset solutions:
1. Take steps to avoid thermally
currents to safe levels. generated offset problems by
The potentiometer in the circuit shown below minimizing board hot spots and by
adjusts the output voltage over a specific range as locating sensitive circuits away from
thermal gradients.
+V
Balance voltages and impedances
where possible.
2. Provide a means of zeroing the
offset voltages. Two methods are
shown below:
a. For amplifiers with offset trim
RA terminals, the circuit in figure 1
can provide compensation that can
RT
be appropriately scaled by the size
of R1 and R2. This method
becomes inappropriate when the
VOUT
RB trimmer wiper current becomes
small enough to risk dry circuit
conditions.

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

1
BIs precious metal brush contact provides
+
a surface-conforming, non-oxidizing, high
force connection that is highly superior to
R2 trimmers using non-precious metal wipers
R1
and films. In a few circuit applications
Rt
such as the op amp gain control circuit
below, the current through the wiper would
TO -V
be very low (nano or pico amps). This is
limited by the values of RA and RB. not enough current to absolutely ensure a
FIGURE 1. low resistance contact in the absence of

RT-100 10K
b. When the circuit in Figure 1 becomes
inappropriate, the circuit shown in
10K
Figure 2 can be used. Scale R1, R2,
RT, RA, and RB as required. This +

circuit can also be adapted for use in 5K GAIN - 1.0 NOMINAL

a potentiometric amplifier circuit ADJ. - +/- 1%

POSSIBLE DRY CIRCUIT PROBLEMS

RFB

contact motion.
+V
RIN
VIN VOUT +V
+ The circuit designer would be wise to
-V
RB 10RA RA R1 consider an alternate circuit configuration
to avoid the dry circuit problems that might
RT
arise. This is especially important in
circuits that are adjusted and then forgotten
R2
for long periods. In the example shown
-V below, the amplifier current will flow
through the wiper contact to minimize the
configuration if required. possibility of a high resistance connection.
FIGURE 2. This circuit is also superior to the one
C. Correctly Using the Trimmer to above in that an open wiper will only cause
Avoid Dry Circuit Risk a small shift in gain versus amplifier
The end connections to BI cermet elements
are made with a swaging process so that 200 9.9K

the resistance of the end connections

remains small and constant for the life of 10K

the device. The connection between the +
moving contact and the element surface,
5K GAIN - 1.0 NOMINAL
however, is not gas tight and requires
ADJ. - +/- 1%
special consideration.
ELIMINATES DRY CIRCUIT RISK

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 A P P L I C A T I O N N O T E S

lockup in the circuit above.

D. Digital Circuits Also Need Trimmers Choose an appropriately designed trimmer for
The same general analog circuit your board processes. Then take the steps that
considerations apply to digital circuits, you can to minimize damage to your trimmers
although you may not have to worry as and other components.
much about dry circuit conditions in digital 1. Orient shaft or rotor seal away from the
applications. high pressure water stream.
1. Think about rotation conventions 2. Preheat stuffed boards to the max allowable
2. Pay attention to maximum ratings temperature.
3. Limit unnecessary adjustment range with 3. Heat the top and bottom of the board.
additional resistors 4. Reduce the time in the solder.
4. Tie the unused end of the trimmer to the 5. Lengthen the time between solder and wash
wiper in rheostat configurations cycles.
Digital circuits such as oscillators and 6. Cool the boards prior to entering the wash
timers frequently require very precise cycle.
adjustment and long term stability. In these 7. Minimize the temperature difference
cases, wisdom suggests that the selection of between wash and rinse cycles.
the trimmer range be limited to just the 8. Use heated air for air knives.
tolerance compensation required and that a
multiturn trimmer be used to achieve the Further application assistance is always available by
best resolution and stability possible. contacting your local representative, a factory office,
or BIs product application group.
E. Surviving the Circuit Board
Manufacturing Process
The printed circuit board assembly and
cleaning processes are likely to subject
your trimmers to the most severe ambient
conditions that the trimmer
will see in its lifetime. For example:

Parameter Typical Some Processes

Positive Temperature
Shock (C) 70 125
Negative Temperature
Shock (C) 25 70
Max Temperature (C) 150 180
Time above 125C (sec.) 20 75
Number of
Temperature Cycles 5 10-12

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