The 3296 trimmer potentiometer is a precision multi-turn variable resistor widely used for accurate circuit calibration and fine adjustment. This component stands out for its wide resistance range, good temperature stability, compact through-hole design, and strong environmental performance.

Catalog

3296 Trimmer Potentiometer Overview

The 3296 trimmer potentiometer is a precision multi-turn variable resistor designed for accurate circuit adjustment and calibration. It is commonly manufactured by companies such as Bourns, and belongs to the 3296 series of sealed cermet trimpots. Unlike regular potentiometers used for user control, the 3296 is typically adjusted with a screwdriver during circuit setup or maintenance.

This component features three terminals: two connected to the resistive element and one wiper. By turning the adjustment screw (usually up to 25 turns), the wiper moves along the cermet track, allowing precise resistance changes. It is available in various resistance values (from a few ohms to megaohms) and typically supports around 0.5 W power dissipation, making it suitable for stable, fine-tuning applications. Its compact square package and sealed design improve reliability and long-term stability in electronic systems.

If you are interested in purchasing the 3296 Trimmer Potentiometer, feel free to contact us for pricing and availability.

3296 Trimmer Potentiometer Pinout Details

Alternatives & Equivalent Model

• Bourns 3296W

• Bourns 3296X

• Bourns 3296P

• Bourns 3386P

• Bourns 3006P

3296 Trimmer Potentiometer Specifications

3296 Trimmer Potentiometer Features

• Multiturn Adjustment – Provides precise resistance control, typically requiring around 25 turns for full adjustment, allowing fine calibration.

• Cermet Resistive Element – Uses a ceramic-metal (cermet) track for improved stability, accuracy, and long-term reliability.

• Industrial-Grade Design – Built for consistent performance in demanding electronic and industrial environments.

• Sealed Construction – Protects the internal resistive element from dust, moisture, and contaminants, improving lifespan.

• 5 Terminal Styles Available – Offered in different lead configurations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, side-adjust) for flexible PCB mounting.

• Tape and Reel Packaging Available – Supports automated PCB assembly processes for mass production.

• Chevron Seal Design – Special sealing structure that enhances environmental protection and durability.

• QPL Listed (RJ24 / RJR24 Styles) – Qualified under military standards (MIL-R-22097 and MIL-R-39035) for high-reliability applications.

• Mounting Hardware Option (H-117P) – Optional hardware accessories available for secure installation.

• RoHS Compliant Version Available – Environmentally friendly versions that meet RoHS regulations.

• Trimmer Application Guidelines Available – Manufacturer provides processing and usage recommendations for optimal performance.

How to Utilize the Trimmer?

The circuit diagram shows a standard trimmer potentiometer with three terminals. Pin 1 is labeled CCW (counterclockwise), Pin 3 is labeled CW (clockwise), and Pin 2 is the wiper, which is the adjustable middle terminal. Inside the trimmer is a resistive element connected between Pin 1 and Pin 3. The wiper (Pin 2) moves along this resistive path when the screw is turned, changing the resistance between the wiper and either end terminal. The arrow labeled “clockwise” indicates that turning the screw clockwise moves the wiper toward the CW terminal (Pin 3).

To use a trimmer as a voltage divider, connect one end terminal to the positive supply and the other end to ground. The output voltage is taken from the wiper (Pin 2). Rotating the adjustment screw changes the wiper position, which varies the output voltage. The more the wiper moves toward the positive side, the higher the output voltage becomes, and vice versa.

3296 Trimmer Potentiometer Applications

• Power supply voltage adjustment

• DC-DC converter output calibration

• Amplifier bias setting

• Audio level calibration

• Sensor threshold adjustment

• Signal gain trimming

• Offset voltage adjustment

• Reference voltage setting

• Current limiting adjustment

• Comparator trip point setting

• Timing circuit fine-tuning

• Industrial control calibration

Comparison: 3296 vs Other Potentiometer

Mechanical Dimensions

Advantages & Limitations

3296 Trimmer Potentiometer Advantages

• High precision multi-turn adjustment (≈25 turns)

• Fine resolution for accurate calibration

• Stable cermet resistive element

• Sealed design for dust and moisture protection

• Wide resistance range (10 Ω to 2 MΩ)

• Good temperature stability (±100 ppm/°C typical)

• Compact PCB through-hole mounting

• Reliable long-term performance

• Suitable for industrial and high-reliability applications

3296 Trimmer Potentiometer Limitations

• Not designed for frequent user adjustments

• Limited rotational life (≈200 cycles)

• Requires screwdriver for adjustment

• Through-hole only (not ideal for compact SMD designs)

• Lower power rating (0.5 W max.)

• Slower adjustment due to multi-turn mechanism

• Can drift slightly under extreme vibration or aging conditions

• Larger than single-turn trim pots

Conclusion

The 3296 trimmer potentiometer is a highly reliable and precise multi-turn adjustment component designed for accurate calibration in electronic circuits. Its 25-turn mechanism allows fine resistance control, while the sealed cermet element ensures long-term stability and protection against environmental factors such as dust and humidity. With a broad resistance range, solid electrical insulation characteristics, and industrial-grade durability, it is well suited for voltage adjustment, bias setting, signal trimming, and reference calibration tasks.