This article is about types of resistors.
What is an Electrical Resistor
A resistor is a device which regulate or limit the flow of current in the electrical circuit.it is the important components of the electronic circuits. The resistor has two terminals which are connected by trace or wire to the electrical circuit. The resistance is measured in ohm (Ω), which Is the ratio of voltage across the resistor to the current. The higher the resistance of the resistor the lower the voltage will be.
There are different types of resistors, which include fixed resistors, variable resistors, linear and non-Lenier resistors.
Application of an Electrical Resistor
Resistors are used for different purposes in electronic devices such as adjusting signal level, reducing current flow, dividing voltages, biasing active elements, terminating transmission line, etc. Resistors are used to create simple circuit e.g., voltage divider, pull up and pull-down resistors, RC filters and current limiter.
Types of an Electrical resistor
There are different types of resistors which are used in different places for different purposes in electronic circuits. These resistors have different properties depending upon their construction. These resistors are available in different shapes, sizes, and made from different materials but normally resistors are classified into two types which are linear resistors and nonlinear resistors.
What are Linear resistors
(Types of resistors)
Linear resistors are those resistors whose value changes with the temperature and applied voltage. Most of the resistors are linear because when the current flows in it the voltage drops occur. Linear resistors are divided into two types which are fixed resistor and variable resistors.
Application of Linear Resistor
- Linear resistors are widely used in electronic circuits.
- It is used in voltage division, current limiting, signal attenuation.
- These resistors are applicable and very useful to ensure stability and performance of the circuit.
What are Fixed resistors
Fixed resistors are those resistors which have fixed value that the value cannot be changed. It Is the most widely used resistors. These resistors are used in the electronic circuit.
Application of fixed resistor
- Fixed resistors are used in high frequency instruments.
- Fixed resistors are used in power control circuits.
- Fixed resistors are used in DC power supply.
- Fixed resistors are used in filter circuits.
- Fixed resistors are used in amplifiers.
- Fixed resistors are used in oscillation.
- Fixed resistors are used in telecommunication.
- Fixed resistors are used in electronic measurements equipment.
What are the Types of fixed resistors
- Wire wound resistor.
- Thin film resistor.
- Corbon composition resistors.
What is Wire wound resistor
A wire wound resistor is a passive device which is used to limit the electric current flow in the electric circuit. It is constructed using a conductive wire which is then wound around the nonconductive core.
The wound wire is covered with insulating materials which Is used to block the outside heat. This step increases the stability of the resistor. Even at high temperature heat does not destroy the wire wounded resistor and can operate at high temperature. It is made by winding a metal wire around the metal core, the metal wire is used as a resistive element and the metal core is a nonconductive material.
Application of a Wire wound resistor
- They are used in industrial and high-power applications.
- Wire wound resistors are used in fuses, circuit breakers, and power inverters.
Advantage Wire wound resistor
- Wire wound resistors have high stability and precision mainly in high temperature application.
- Wire wound resistors have high power dissipation capacity, which means that they can handle high current without any heating.
- It is the best frequency response.
Disadvantage Wire wound resistor
- It is costly and large size as compared to other resistors.
- Its inductance can be increased in high frequency application.
- Wire wound resistors have a certain amount of inherent inductance and capacitance.
What is Thin film resistor
Thin film resistor is called thin film resistor because it uses thin film layer of resistance which is arranged on the top of the ceramic base. The thickness of the thin film resistor is less as compared to the thick layer resistor which is around 0.1 microns. These resistors are stable, accurate, and have good temperature coefficient therefore used widely in various technologies. Both resistors are the same in shape, but manufacturing processes are different.
Application of Thin Film Resistor
- It is used in measuring and monitoring devices.
- It is used in audio application.
- It is used in computer chips.
- It is used in power supply converters.
- It is used in telecommunications.
- It is used in radio frequency.
- It is used in the HVAC system.
- It is used in precision control applications.
- It is used in radio receivers, computers, monitors, wireless routers, Bluetooth modules, cell phones and electronics.
The advantages of the thin film resistor are the following.
Advantage of thin film resistor
- It has less temperature coefficients, and its tolerance is also low.
- Their capacitance and parasitic inductance is low and less noisy.
- Its electrical performance is high.
- Its power rating is high.
Disadvantages of thin film resistor
- These resistors are delicate.
- Its cost is high.
- These resistors are needed to handle carefully.
What is Carbon composition resistor
It is the type of fixed resistor which is used to limit the current flow. It is made from a solid cylinder body or graphite powder with the blinder such as clay or resin. The carbon powder acts as a resistive conductor and the blinder acts as an insulator, the resistor has two leads which is connected to the circuit. They were used in the past but now replaced with metal film and wire wounded resistors.
Application of Corbon Composition Resistor
- Carbon composition resistors are used in high frequency applications.
- They are used in power control circuits.
- It is used in electronics devices.
- It is in test devices.
- It finds application in high voltage power supplies.
- It is used in X-rays, lasers, radars, and welding technologies.
Advantage of Corbon Composition Resistor
- They have the ability to withstand with high energy pulse.
- It is high energy capability.
- It is not costly.
- Carbon composition resistor available in a wide range of resistance.
- It has good RF performance.
Disadvantage of Corbon Composition Resistor
- Its tolerance is very high.
- It has poor properties in temperature coefficient, noise, voltage etc.
- Its stability of resistance value is low.
- Its temperature coefficient is high which is around 1200ppm/c.
- These resistors have inherent stability.
- It has poor insulation resistance.
What are the Variable resistors
Variable resistors are the resistors of which the value can be changed or can be adjusted either mechanically or electrically. It is an electromechanical transducer which works by sliding contact over the resistive elements. When variable resistor is used as a potential divider then is use three terminal and known as potentiometer while when use two terminals then known as variable resistor and called as rheostat. Electrically controlled variable resistors exist and are controlled electrically.
Application of Variable resistors
- Variable resistors are used to control volume in audio devices.
- It controls the brightness in the lighting system.
- It controls the speed of the fan in electronic devices.
- It is used in calibration of measuring equipment.
- It controls the speed of the motor.
- It controls temperature in the heating system.
- It is used to control frequency in electronic devices.
- Is used to control the contrast in displays.
Advantage of Variable resistors
- It can adjust the resistance value in a circuit.
- It has high precision and high accuracy.
- It is not costly.
- It is easy to use.
- It is easy to install.
Disadvantage of Variable resistors
- Due to wear and tear it has limited lifespan.
- It has poor stability.
- It has poor temperature coefficient.
- Its power handling capability is low.
- Its frequency response is low.
Types of the variable resistor
- Potentiometer
- Rheostat
- Trimmer resistor
what is a Potentiometer Resistor
(types of resistors)
It is the most used variable resistor. It is used as a resistive divider, and it generates a voltage signal which depends upon the position of potentiometer. This generated signal is used in a very wide application which includes amplifier gain control (audio volume), measurement of distance, tuning of circuit and many more. For tuning a circuit or application, trimmer potentiometers are used. These are small potentiometer which is adjusted on screwdriver.
What is Application of Potentiometer
- Variable resistors are used to control volume in audio devices.
- It controls the brightness in the lighting system.
- It controls the speed of the fan in electronic devices.
- It is used in calibration of measuring equipment.
- It controls the speed of the motor.
- It controls temperature in the heating system.
- It is used to control frequency in electronic devices.
- Is used to control the contrast in displays.
What is Advantage of Potentiometer
- It can adjust the resistance value in a circuit.
- It has high precision and high accuracy.
- It is not costly.
- It is easy to use.
- It is easy to install.
- Potentiometers are compact.
- They have a long lifespan.
What is Disadvantage of Potentiometer
- Its accuracy is low.
- Its bandwidth is limited.
- It is unmanageable compared to voltmeter.
- It required standard source of emf and calibration.
- Due to wear and tear it has limited lifespan.
- It has poor stability.
- It has poor temperature coefficient.
- Its power handling capability is low.
What is Rheostat Resistor
(types of resistors)
It is like a potentiometer in construction, but it is not used as potential divider but used as a variable resistor. Rheostats have two terminal devices; one end is connected to one end of resistive element and the other end is a wiper of the variable resistor. Rheostat were used as a power control device which will connected in series with the load like tube light but now rheostat is used for tuning or calibration in the circuit.
Application of Rheostat
- Variable resistors are used to control volume in audio devices.
- It controls the brightness in the lighting system.
- It controls the speed of the fan in electronic devices.
- It is used in calibration of measuring equipment.
- It controls temperature in the heating system.
- It is used to control frequency in electronic devices.
- Is used to control the contrast in displays.
Advantage of Rheostat
- It can adjust the resistance value in a circuit.
- It has high precision and high accuracy.
- It is not costly.
- It is easy to use.
- It is easy to install.
Disadvantage of Rheostat
- Its accuracy is low.
- It is low in operation.
- Its frequency response is low.
- Its bandwidth is limited.
- It is unmanageable compared to voltmeter.
- It required standard source of emf and calibration.
- It has poor temperature coefficient.
- Its power handling capability is low.
what is Digital resistor
Digital resistor is a type of resistor in which the resistance is changed through signal not by mechanical movement. The resistance in digital resistance is change in discrete form and controlled by digital protocols like I2C or by up/down signals.
Application of Digital resistor
- Variable resistors are used to control volume in audio devices.
- It controls the brightness in the lighting system.
- It controls the speed of the fan in electronic devices.
- It is used in calibration of measuring equipment.
- It controls the speed of the motor.
- It controls temperature in the heating system.
- It is used to control frequency in electronic devices.
- Is used to control the contrast in displays.
Advantage of Digital resistor
- It can adjust the resistance value in a circuit.
- It has high precision and high accuracy.
- It is not costly.
- It is easy to use.
- It is easy to install.
- Potentiometers are compact.
- They have a long lifespan.
Disadvantage of Digital resistor
- Its accuracy is low.
- Its bandwidth is limited.
- Its power handling capability is low.
- Frequency response is low.
- The temperature range is low.
What is Nonlinear resistor
In nonlinear resistor the electric current flowing in the resistor changes if the applied voltage changes when changes come in temperature. There are different types of nonlinear resistors. Nonlinear resistance can be defined as the resistors which does not obey the ohm law these are the un ohmic devices and its I-V characteristics curve is nonlinear that as not a straight line.
What is an Application of Nonlinear resistor
- It is used in voltage regulation in power supplies.
- It is used to protect electronic devices from over voltage.
- It is used for current limiting in electronic circuits.
- It is used for surge suppression in electronic circuits.
- It is used in signal processing.
- It is used in voltage clamping.
Advantage of Nonlinear resistor
- It can vary its resistance with applied voltage and current.
- It is very sensitive to change in voltage or current.
- Its accuracy and precision are high.
- They have good frequency response.
Disadvantage of Nonlinear resistor
- Its power handling capability is low.
- Its temperature range is low.
- Its bandwidth is low.
- Its frequency response if low.
- They limited resolution.
What is a Thermistor Resistor
Thermistors are the types of resistors which are used to measure the temperature. Thermistors are very sensitive to the temperature. The resistance and temperature are inversely proportional to each other’s.
What is an Application of a Thermistor
- They are used in measurement and to control temperature such as rechargeable batteries.
- They are used in time delay application.
- They are used in household applications such as refrigerators and washing machines.
- They are used in computers like CPU, LCD, and hard disk.
Advantage of Thermistor
- They are highly sensitive to temperature.
- They have high accuracy and precision.
- Their sizes are compact.
- They have high outputs.
- They have good sensitivity as compared to other sensing devices.
- They are not so costly.
- They good RF performance.
- Its response rate is fast.
Disadvantage of Thermistor
- They are nonlinear.
- Due to nonlinearity, it can create problems in temperature measurement.
- Self-heating
- They are not usable for large temperature ranges.
What is a Varistor resistors
It is a nonlinear resistor which is made from semiconductor materials. The current through the varistor depends upon the applied voltage which is nonlinear. Metal oxide varistor (MOV) is a commonly used variable resistor.
Application of Varistor resistors
- It Is used for surge suppression in electronics circuit.
- It is used to protect circuits from over voltage.
- It controls elements in circuits to provide good operating condition.
Advantage of Varistor resistors
- It provides good protection from over voltage.
- Its RF performance is good.
Disadvantage of Varistor resistors
- It is costly.
- Its lifespan is limited.
- It cannot sustain surges.
What is Photo resistor or LDR (LIGHT DEPENDENT RESISTOR)
Photo resistor is also known as LDR, or photo conductive cell is a light controlled variable resistor. When light intensity increases the resistance of the photo resistor decrease.
Application of Photo resistor or LDR
- Used in light detected circuits, like burglar alarm system, light intensity meters.
- Used in streetlight.
- Used in audio equipment.
- Used in electronics equipment.
- Used in time delay, temperature sensing and control.
- Used in computers and household electronics.
Advantage of Photo resistor or LDR
- It is very sensitive to light.
- Its spectral response is wide.
- Its nature is non-invasive.
- It is cheap.
- Its size is small.
Disadvantage of Photo resistor or LDR
- In extreme conditions it is less reliable.
- Its accuracy is low.
- Its response time is also low.
What is Surface mount resistor
Surface mount resistor is also known as SMD resistor. This resistor is rectangular in shape. It is an electronic component which is made to use with surface mount technology (SMT).
Application of Surface mount resistor
- It is used in power supply.
- Used in audio system, lighting system.
- It is used in electronics device,
- It is used in computers, monitors, wireless routers, Bluetooth, cell phones receivers and electronics.
Advantage of Surface mount resistor
- Its size is small.
- It can mount on both sides of PCB.
- Its RF performance is good.
Disadvantage of Surface mount resistor
- Its power handling capability is not so high.
- Its lifespan is not high.
- It cannot be used for sustained surge.
Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q 1: What is a resistor?
Ans: resistor is the tew terminal device which is used to regulate the flow of electric current in the circuit. Resistor is a passive element.
Q 2: name some of the resistive materials?
Ans: the resistive materials are, rubber, glass, wood, mica etc
Q 3: what is the two main types of resistors?
Ans: the two main types of resistors are.
- Linear resistors
- Nonlinear resistors
Q 4: what are the types of fixed resistors?
Ans: the types of the fixed resistor are.
- Wire wound resistors.
- Thin film resistors
- Carbon composition resistors
Q 5: What is a thermistor?
Ans: A thermistor is a type of resistor which is used to measure temperature.
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