Abstract: A method for calibrating a potentiometer that determines the actual resistance of the potentiometer throughout its range of motion. The potentiometer is rotated in a forward direction from its first stop position to its second stop position while resistance measurements are made based on pulses generated by an encoder coupled to the potentiometer. After the forward resistance measurements are made, a set of reverse resistance measurements are made as the potentiometer moves between the second stop position and the first stop position. A microprocessor combines the forward and reverse resistance measurements to generate an average resistance value for each angular position of the potentiometer. An individual label is then printed based on the specific resistance characteristics of the potentiometer being tested.

Abstract: A sensor is provided with a conductive sensing element that has a composition adapted to provide a resistance large enough that predetermined magnitudes of voltage noise do not create a false indication of removal, e.g. by abrasion or corrosion. Also, the sensing element composition is adapted to provide a temperature coefficient of resistivity small enough that measurements are substantially independent of temperature. Resistance is preferably greater than 10 ohms and the absolute value of TCR is preferably less than 1000 parts per million per .degree. C. The conductive sensing element may be formed from several materials, including alloys of palladium or lead, particularly palladium-gold, lead-bismuth, or lead-palladium. A combination sensor is provided that includes an abrasion sensing element and a corrosion sensing element on the same substrate.