Glossary - P

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Potentiometer

A potentiometer is a variable resistor that can be used as a voltage divider.

Potentiometer (or 'pot' for short) describes an electrical device which has a user-adjustable resistance. Usually, this is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding contact in the center (the wiper). If all three terminals are used, it can act as a variable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used (one side and the wiper), it acts as a variable resistor. Its shortcoming is that of corrosion or wearing of the sliding contact, especially if it is kept in one position.

Pressure Sensor

A pressure sensor measures the pressure, typically of gases or fluids. Pressure is an expression of the force required to stop a gas or fluid from expanding, and is usually stated in terms of force per unit area. A pressure sensor generates a signal related to the pressure imposed. Typically, such a signal is electrical, but it might also include additional means, such as optic signals, visual signals and/or auditory signals.

Proportional Outputs

The Voltage or Current outputs are calibrated to be directly proportional to the input from the sensor. For example the output is, within the sensor limits, taken as linear and no linearity compensation is required within the SGA.
http://www.mantracourt.co.uk/products/Amplifiers_Digitisers/SGA

Portable Data Acquisition

VisualLink is a RAD toolkit for the creation of SCADA / HMI (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition / Human Machine Interface) applications supporting a wide range of instrument protocols.

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