Trimpot is a short name for trimming potentiometer. derived from the potentiometer, the trimpot is usually smaller and designed so the need for a precision screwdriver to be used to change the setting.

Just like the big brother, the potentiometer, the trimpot has 3 terminals. the symbol for the trimpot is similar to the potentiometer (a resistor with an arrow across) but on the back-end of the arrow is a line perpendicular (like a 'T') to symbolize the need for a tool. also this resembles a screw.

the electrical equivalent of the trimpot is just like the potentiometer.

T1--/////--T2--/////--T3

A quick way to use the trimpot as an input to an ADC is:

connect T3 to GND connect T1 to Vcc (ADC max input voltage) connect T2 to the ADC input

the voltage on T2 is Vout following this formula:

Vout = Vin*(R2-3/(R1-2+R2-3))