MCP4151 learning notes

Now I have skimmed through the 4 or 5 application notes to get a rough idea of what is a digital potentiometer.  Actually what I wish to clarify is what is the difference between a potentiometer and a rheostat.  I remember I read the term rheostat in school physics but I don't know how to pronounce it.  So I might not have play with it in school or college.

Now I know that rheostat and voltage divider are two different uses or modes of a potentiometer.  I think voltage divider is almost always used, and rheostat very very seldom, so that is why I don't know what a rheostat is.

Anyway, now I also know the basic theory of digital potentiometer, and that MCP4151 should have two pots inside the chip.

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