Resistors and Potentiometers Information on GlobalSpec

Resistors and potentiometers are passive electronic components that oppose the flow of either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Fixed resistors have a fixed resistance value. Variable resistors have a resistance value that can be adjusted or changed by the user. For both types of resistors and potentiometers, device types include attenuator, chip, and shunt resistors, as well as load banks and voltage dividers. Attenuator resistors reduce the power of a signal by a determined factor without distortion. Chip resistors are passive devices with a form factor of an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Shunts resistors are connected in parallel with an instrument or component to divert electrical current. They provide an alternate path for current in case of failure. Load banks are fixed and variable resistors that provide resistive electrical loads for testing purposes. Similarly, voltage dividers produce highly-accurate reference voltages for both calibration and testing. Potentiometers, trimmers and rheostats are additional device types for variable resistors.

There are many different categories of resistors and potentiometers. Current sensing fixed resistors convert flow-through current to a voltage drop. By monitoring or measuring the voltage drop, current flowing through the resistor can be measured. Dynamic braking resistors (DBR) produce braking torque and absorb the high amounts of energy generated by stopping electric motors. They are used in variable-speed drive systems such as elevators, cranes, and trains. Fusible resistors are made of a partially-organic film. The flow of high-current melts the film, opening the circuit and stopping the flow of current through the resistor. Harmonic filter resistors are used in power electronics and solid-state devices which generate harmonic voltages. They dissipate harmonic currents as heat. High current, high frequency, and high voltage fixed and variable resistors are also available. Specialized resistors and potentiometers include medical resistors, motor-starting resistors, neutral grounding resistors, precision resistors, power resistors, railways resistors, surge resistors, and telecom resistors.

Resistors and potentiometers carry specifications for configuration style and product performance. There are two main configurations: single resistor and resistor array. Single resistors are standard, passive devices with a single resistance value. Resistor arrays contain several fixed resistors and/or variable resistors housed in a single package. Performance specifications for resistors and potentiometers include tolerance, resistance range, temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), power rating, operating alternating current (AC) voltage, operating direct current (DC) voltage, and operating temperature. For arrays of fixed and variable resistors, the number of resistors in the package is also an important consideration.

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Engineering Calculators Related to Resistors and Potentiometers

Ohms' Law Calculator; Voltage Divider Calculator For AC Circuits; Voltage Divider Calculator For AC Circuits With Load; Voltage Divider Calculator For DC Circuits; Voltage Divider Calculator For DC Circuits With Load

Products & Services Related to Resistors and Potentiometers

Chip Resistors

Chip resistors are passive resistors with a form factor of an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Typically, they are manufactured using thin-film technology.

Current Sensing Resistors

Current sensing resistors convert the current flowing through it to a voltage drop. Monitoring or measuring this voltage drop allows the current through the resistor to be measured. Applications for current sensing resistors include power supplies, receptacles, and battery packs.

Potentiometers, Rheostats and Trimmers

Potentiometers, rheostats and trimmers are three-terminal resistors that are used to measure or divide voltages, and to protect or control circuits.

Power Resistors

Power resistors are used in power generation and distribution, high-voltage applications, control systems, and other power system applications. They include load banks, grounding resistors, and dynamic braking resistors.

Resistor, Capacitor Networks

Resistor, capacitor networks (RC networks) are integrated circuits (ICs) that contain resistor-capacitor arrays in a single chip.

Resistors

Resistors are electrical components that oppose the flow of either direct or alternating current. They are used to protect, operate, or control circuits.

Shunt Resistors

Shunts resistors are connected in parallel with an instrument or component to divert electrical current. They provide an alternate path for current in case of failure.

Engineering Web: Resistors and Potentiometers - TechBriefs

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Resistors / Potentiometers Resistor Potentiometers - Single Gang Potentiometers - Trimmers Resistors 1 Watt NTE Resistors 1/2 Watt Resistors 1/2 Watt NTE Resistors 1/4 Watt - See R.P. Electronic Components Ltd. Information
Vishay Foil Resistors - Vishay Brands The Vishay Foil Resistors portfolio comprises discrete resistors and resistor networks in surface mount and through-hole (leaded) configurations, See Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Information
Resistors, variable - Vishay Products A-Z Resistors, variable (99 datasheets) See Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Information

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