The wiper arms of potentiometric pressure transducers are usually linked to bourdon or bellows elements. In such a transducer, a change in process pressure moves the connecting (wiper) rod over a precision potentiometer, which converts the pressure into electronic resistance. The contacting wiper tip is usually made of noble metal. These transducers require the least sophisticated signal conditioning.
The advantages include low cost, small size, and high output signals without further amplification. The disadvantages are related to mechanical wear that results in short life and high noise levels as the wiper experiences nonlinear mechanical loading, static friction, or loss of intimate contact with the resistive element.
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Instrumentation Basics 