What is a voltage-controlled resistor (VCR)?
1 Answer
A voltage-controlled resistor (VCR) is an electronic component whose resistance can be controlled by an external voltage. It is also known as a variable resistor or a VCR. Unlike fixed resistors that have a constant resistance value, a VCR allows the resistance to be adjusted over a certain range based on the voltage applied to it.
VCRs are commonly used in various electronic circuits and systems, particularly in applications where precise control of resistance is needed, or where it is desirable to have variable resistance to achieve specific functionalities. One typical application of VCRs is in audio equipment, where they are used for volume control. By adjusting the voltage applied to the VCR, the signal can be attenuated or amplified, controlling the volume of the audio output.
There are different types of VCRs, and they can be based on various principles. One common type is the field-effect transistor (FET) based VCR, where the resistance is controlled by the gate-source voltage of the FET. Another type is the opto-electronic VCR, which uses light intensity to control resistance.
It's worth noting that digital potentiometers or digitally-controlled potentiometers (DCPs) can also be considered a form of voltage-controlled resistor. They use digital signals (binary codes) to adjust the resistance, offering the advantage of digital control and programming.
Overall, voltage-controlled resistors play a crucial role in various electronic applications, allowing for flexibility and precise control over resistance values.
VCRs are commonly used in various electronic circuits and systems, particularly in applications where precise control of resistance is needed, or where it is desirable to have variable resistance to achieve specific functionalities. One typical application of VCRs is in audio equipment, where they are used for volume control. By adjusting the voltage applied to the VCR, the signal can be attenuated or amplified, controlling the volume of the audio output.
There are different types of VCRs, and they can be based on various principles. One common type is the field-effect transistor (FET) based VCR, where the resistance is controlled by the gate-source voltage of the FET. Another type is the opto-electronic VCR, which uses light intensity to control resistance.
It's worth noting that digital potentiometers or digitally-controlled potentiometers (DCPs) can also be considered a form of voltage-controlled resistor. They use digital signals (binary codes) to adjust the resistance, offering the advantage of digital control and programming.
Overall, voltage-controlled resistors play a crucial role in various electronic applications, allowing for flexibility and precise control over resistance values.