Do you need a regulator for a potentiometer?
So you must use a regulator to get a constant voltage out. In order to achieve the ability to adjust the output voltage with a pot, you will want to use something like the LM117.
What kind of voltage regulator do I need for a fan?
Common voltage regulator ICs like the popular LM78xx series are sometimes used to provide variable or constant voltage to fans. When thermally bonded to the computer’s chassis, one of these ICs can provide up to 1 A of current at a voltage of 6, 8, 9 or 10 V for the LM7806, LM7808, LM7809 and LM7810, respectively.
How does a potentiometer change the output voltage?
The center tap where they join is the new output voltage, which is at the ratio of the two resistors: You can replace the two resistors with a potentiometer in the exact same arrangement. The wiper of the potentiometer is the center tap of the voltage divider, and the two resistances between the wiper and either end are the two resistors R1 and R2.
How is the speed of a cooling fan regulated?
Linear voltage regulation. A standard cooling fan is essentially a bladed DC motor. By varying the voltage input across the acceptable range for a fan, the speed of the fan will increase (to added voltage) and decrease (to reduced voltage); a faster fan means more air moved and thus a higher heat exchange rate.
What are the resistors on a potentiometer pot?
The wiper of the potentiometer is the center tap of the voltage divider, and the two resistances between the wiper and either end are the two resistors R1 and R2. \\$\\begingroup\\$ The voltage input is 5V. The pot can be whatever you have lying around. The higher the resistance the less current will flow through it.
Which is the Max Vout for a potentiometer?
The max Vout that you want is 5v, so lets plug that all into the voltage divider equation. 5v = (Z2/ (2kohm+Z2))*10v => Z2 = 2Kohm meaning that your pots max resistance should be 2 Kohm
Is the output voltage of a potentiometer linear?
If you look at the equation for the voltage divider, you will find that the output voltage is not so linear. In fact if you were to plot it, it would look like so: You can still determine what the resistance your pot is at, it will just require a little bit of math.