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Issue #213 April 2008
Digital Touch
A Potentiometer with No Moving Parts
by Jeff Bachiochi
Start | Touch Slider IC | Digital Potentiometers | Control and Feedback | Value to Digits | Linear Segmentation | Worth It | Sources & PDF
WORTH IT
Change for the sake of change isn’t necessarily an improvement. There must be a redeeming value to the change before it can be considered an improvement. The simplicity of a mechanical potentiometer is tough to challenge, but eliminating flaws or weaknesses can justify the attempt. Mechanical wear and environmental exposure are two of the most desirable improvements. Any replacement with no moving parts could inherently solve both needs. While an application like this project has more parts and a higher cost than a mechanical part, the total cost of the electrical parts is only approximately $15 (in single-piece pricing). Trip, Scotty, Geordi, and B’Elenna (chronological by star date) would really appreciate not having to constantly replace the mechanical controls that will proliferate the future versions of the Star Trek Enterprise. Imagine spilling your caffeinated beverage without panic as the liquid rolls off the controls without damage. Ever done this to your keyboard?
Will this kind of innovation help feed those starving in less developed countries? Indirectly, it might improve the mean time between failure (MTBF) of equipment that supports relief efforts. History has shown that we cannot predict how a single technology will affect the present course of man. Moreover, it’s the combination of many technology bits that can make the largest strides in improving the standards of all.
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