What is a MagnetoPot
A recently patented technology, the MagnetoPot is a sealed potentiometer, in the membrane potentiometer tradition, yet it does not require a wiper/actuator to connect the collector and the resistor. Instead, the MagnetoPot is controlled by an outside magnet, which attracts the magnetic forces within the MagnetoPot to connect to the linear resistor and give linear potentiometer feedback.
The wiper inside the sealed pot is magnetic or ferromagnetic, and will only performed if connected with an exterior magnet. For specific results, see our specifications below.
Design and Construction
The MagnetoPot is made of polyester, fiberglass and kapton, depending on the specification required. It functions as a voltage divider, a resistor or rheostat, as desired by the end-user. By bringing the exterior magnet into a proximity necessary to connect with the internal magnetic attractors, the operator can obtain linear position sensing based on the location of the exterior magnet. As the exterior magnet moves, so does the electrical output of the MagnetoPot.
Typical product width is 20.3mm (0.800”) and height is 2.7mm (0.108”). The materials allow for sealability against dust and debris and a certain amount of water splashing. Temperature ranges from –40C to 85 C, depending on the construction, and the MagnetoPot has been tested over 1 million cycles.
Exterior Magnet possibilities: We have performed our tests at 0.100” distance between the exterior magnet and the MagnetoPot. Depending on the strength of the exterior magnet, this distance can be expanded or narrowed.
Electrical Output
Just as with the traditional membrane potentiometer, the MagnetoPot gives a linear position feedback with the motion of the external magnet (see example to the left).
Tolerances:
• Total Resistance: our standard is ±20%.
• Linearity: our standard is ±3%.
Resolution: depends upon the exterior magnet strength and distance to the MagnetoPot