Resistor - A resistor is an electronic component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in a circuit. Resistors are categorized by their shape and material, which influence their performance, application, and characteristics.
- Linear Resistor - A linear resistor is a resistor that obeys Ohm's law, which states that the voltage across the resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, with the constant of proportionality being the resistance.
- Fixed Resistor - An electronic component that has a specific, unchangeable resistance value. Its primary function in a circuit is to limit the flow of electric current to a predetermined level. The resistance value is typically indicated by color-coded bands on the body of the resistor. Fixed resistors are fundamental components found in virtually all electronic circuits.
- Carbon Composition Resistor (Carbon Composits Resistor) - A type of fixed resistor where the resistive element is made from a solid mixture of fine carbon particles (like graphite powder) and a non-conductive ceramic binder. This mixture is molded into a cylindrical shape, and metal leads are attached to each end, often with metal end caps to ensure good contact. The entire assembly is then typically coated with an insulating material and color-coded to indicate its resistance value and tolerancs.
- Thick Film Resistor - A type of resistor where a resistive layer, typically composed of a ceramic substrate coated with a thick film of metal oxides and glass frit, is applied and then fired at high temperatures to create a robust and stable component. This thick film is significantly thicker (thousands of times) than the resistive layer in thin film resistors.
- Cermet Film Resistor - A composite material made of ceramic and metallic materials. In these resistors, a thin or thick film of this cermet material is deposited onto an insulating substrate (usually ceramic).
- Fusible Resistor - Specifically designed to act as a standard resistor under normal circuit operating conditions but will fail in a controlled manner (like a fuse) when a certain level of over current or over voltage occurs.
- Metal Oxide Resistor - A type of film resistor where the resistive element is a thin film of metal oxide, such as tin oxide (\(SnO_2\)). This film is deposited onto an insulating ceramic substrate.
- Thin Film Resistor - A type of resistor where a very thin layer of resistive material, typically a metal alloy, is deposited onto an insulating substrate, such as ceramic or glass. This film usually has a thickness of around 0.1 micrometers or less, making it significantly thinner than the resistive layer in thick film resistors.
- Carbon Film Resistor - These resistors are made by depositing a thin film of pure carbon onto an insulating ceramic rod. The desired resistance value is achieved by controlling the thickness of the carbon film and by cutting a helical groove along its length. A tighter spiral results in a higher resistance. The resistor is then protected with a coating, typically lacquer or epoxy, and fitted with metal end caps and leads.
- Metal Film Resistor - These resistors are manufactured by depositing a thin film of a metal alloy (such as nickel-chromium) onto an insulating ceramic or glass substrate using vacuum deposition techniques like sputtering. Similar to carbon film resistors, the resistance value is precisely controlled by the film's thickness and by cutting a fine helical groove. They are also coated for protection and fitted with metal end caps and leads.
- Wire-wound Resistor - A type of electrical resistor where the resistive element is a wire, usually made of a metal alloy with high resistivity, wound around an insulating core. This core is typically made of ceramic, fiberglass, or plastic. The wire is then terminated with leads or terminals for connection into a circuit.
- Variable Resistor - A resistor whose resistance value can be adjusted. This adjustability allows for the control of current flow or voltage levels within a circuit.
- Polentiometer Resistor - These are three-terminal devices often used as voltage dividers. By adjusting a knob or slider, the voltage output can be varied. They are commonly used for volume control in audio equipment or brightness control in displays.
- Rheostat Resistor - These are two-terminal variable resistors used to control current. They are often employed in applications where the amount of current needs to be adjusted, such as in dimmer switches for lights or speed control for motors.
- Trimmer Resistor - These are small potentiometers designed for infrequent adjustments, often used for calibration purposes within a circuit.
- Fixed Resistor - An electronic component that has a specific, unchangeable resistance value. Its primary function in a circuit is to limit the flow of electric current to a predetermined level. The resistance value is typically indicated by color-coded bands on the body of the resistor. Fixed resistors are fundamental components found in virtually all electronic circuits.
- Nonlinear Resistor - A nonlinear resistor is a resistor that does not obey Ohm's law. This means the resistance value is not constant and changes depending on the applied voltage, the current flowing through it, temperature, light, or other external factors.
- Photo Resistor (Light Dependant Resistor (LDR)) - Photo resistors are light-sensitive devices whose resistance changes depending on the amount of light falling on their surface.
- Surface Mount Resistor - Surface mount resistors are resistors designed for surface mount technology (SMT), where components are mounted directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) without through-holes.
- Thermistor Resistor (Thermal Resistor) - Thermistors are temperature-sensitive resistors whose resistance changes significantly and predictably with temperature variations.
- Varistor Resistor (Voltage Dependant Resistor (VDR)) - Varistors are voltage-dependent resistors whose resistance changes non-linearly with the applied voltage.
