The 23-year-old was a mainstay in the Potters' first team when they won promotion to the Premier League but has been loaned to Leeds and Barnsley since 2009.
The ex-Derby youth has been brought in as a replacement for Stephen Jordan after he went back on his agreement and signed for Sheffield United.
"Dickinson" is an extremely popular name around these parts and should Carl prove to be even a small portion as good as his namesake Jimmy, then we've got ourselves a decent player for the season.
Welcome aboard, Carl.