Multiganged Potentiometers

All shown potentiometers are multiganged capable.

Guide for Multiganged Potentiometers

Multiganged / Tandem Potentiometers

In singleturn and multiturn variants

Multigang potentiometers are used in safety-critical applications where redundant connections and/or electrically isolated signals are required. Several potentiometers are connected in a row as segments on one shaft. The so-called tandem versions (2 units) are most frequently used. For very high safety requirements, up to 10 units in a row (10-turn potentiometers) can be implemented as single-turn or multiturn versions.

The possibility to select for each gang a particular resistance value, a particular resistance tolerance or linearity, make multigang potentiometers complex and, at the same time, multifunctional components. In addition, all other options such as rear shaft, as well as shaft adaptations, center tap and limit switches are available, depending on the potentiometer type.

MEGATRON is your specialist for the optimal technological product integration into your application. With quality products and high delivery reliability we accompany you throughout the entire life cycle of your application. Our claim is to offer each customer the best product for the respective application.

Basic questions about potentiometers? Here you will find the answers

Redundant potentiometers

If a single, non-redundant sensor signal fails, this can lead to machine downtime and even to dangerous situations. Redundant systems enable the detection of a faulty sensor signal by comparing the signals. If there is a deviation, this often has a mechanical or electrical origin. In most cases it is a cable break and not a sensor error. We therefore recommend using separate, high-quality cable harnesses or wiring.

Redundant systems are used when it is advantageous for the application or when regulations require it. They are mostly used when the following objectives are pursued:

Increase of the availability of machinery or reduction of the downtime
The probability that all sensor signals fail at the same time is significantly reduced in redundant systems. Increasing the "gangs" thus enables the probability of failure to be minimized. In the event of a failure, it is therefore not always necessary to shut down a system immediately. This ensures that despite the disturbed signal, no major damage to property or even personal injury is caused.

General increase in operational safety
Due to the critical application purpose, the machine is immediately shut down in case of a fault. Decommissioning is possible in a controlled form due to the redundancy. Examples of this can be found in vehicles and moving machines, e.g. when used in joysticks and operating levers.

Rated power and temperature

The potentiometers are constructively connected in a row on a shaft. The resistance elements are not far apart. This means that the waste heat generated by the power loss of the individual units has an influence on the temperature of the neighbouring units. The maximum permissible nominal load of each resistor element or each individual potentiometer segment is reduced as shown in the diagram.

These specifications/measured values apply at ambient temperature. If the potentiometers are to be used at higher temperature levels, the rated power must be reduced.

*This graph does not apply to the oil-filled potentiometers

Product customizations

In principle, the same product adaptations are possible for the tandem versions as for the non-tandem versions: Special resistance values, rear shaft, center taps, linearity tolerances and adjustments of the shaft geometry as well as bushing and servo flange versions. It is also possible to equip tandem potentiometers with different resistance values or linearity tolerances for each sub-unit. However, these multigang potentiometers are used in rare special applications, if the electronics for signal evaluation require this.
Please note that tandem versions are not possible for all series. For example, axial pins prevent the attachment of a second sensor segment. Please contact us if you have any questions concerning the feasibility and special product adaptations. We will be pleased to advise you.

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MP20/21

Compact precision potentiometer with a long lifespan and many options