The QCJ16 belongs to the patented ACP Pluggable series. The three pins of the potentiometer are fitted into a 1,55 mm thick plastic part with a pitch of 2,5mm, allowing its connection to the suitable RAST2,5 card edge connector.
The external housing contains two washers for direct panel fixation throught M4 screws into the customer device. ACP can also study other options for direct panel fixation.
The QCJ16 is fitted with an internal spring mechanisim. When the operator turns the knob CW or CCW from the central rest position, the spring mechanism provides an opposite torque. When releasing the knob, the spring returns the potentiometer to the central rest position.
Electrically, the potentiometer is a standard 245° linear taper with a 5% absolute linearity. The mechanical rest position corresponds to the physical middle position, hence to the central value of the output signal. Starting from there, the output value varies along the linear curve until reaching the corresponding end stop.
An alternative output signal to the above is an SPDT (Single Pole, Doble Throw) configuration, with “on” positions at both mechanical end stops and “off” position in the central rest position. Mechanical angle option available is ±45°.
Extended temperature versions covering a range from -40°C to +120°C are available for applications where the working temperature interval exceeds the standard limits of -25°C to+70°C. Ingress Protection rating type is IP54 and plastic materials can be self-extinguishable according to UL 94V0 whenever required.
The ACP pluggable series is an appealing cost saving option as customer can remove both PCB and soldering proccess. The electrical signal is directly transmitted from the front panel to the electronics using the suitable RAST2,5 connector.
Applications:
This Spring Loaded potentiometer (QCJ16) is the ideal alternative to a tact switch or incremental encoder to increase or decrease the value of a certain parameter.