Linear Motion Potentiometers operate on the principle of a linear resistive voltage divider, i.e. a wiper slides along a resistive track causing the output voltage of the wiper to be proportional to its position on the track. A variety of housings, mounting and couplings are available. Displacement ranges (stroke lengths) of 8mm to 2000mm can be economically measured.

A wide range of options are usually available for most potentiometer models. Shaft modifications, tighter tolerances, center tapping of the element, IP65+ configurations, non-standard resistance values, custom cabling and connectors and many other options exist to optimize the potentiometer to a given application.