A resistor is an electronic component that is used to resist or oppose the flow of electric current in a circuit. It is a passive component, which means that it does not require any external power source to function.
Resistors are typically made of materials such as carbon, metal, or wire-wound materials. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are marked with a color code or numerical value that indicates their resistance. The unit of resistance is ohms, symbolized by the Greek letter omega (Ω).
Resistors are commonly used in electronic circuits to control the flow of current, limit the amount of current that flows through a circuit, and provide a specific voltage drop. They can also be used to divide voltage, generate heat, and perform other functions.
Overall, resistors are essential components in electronics and electrical engineering, and are used in a wide range of applications in devices such as computers, televisions, radios, and more.
Resistor Manufacturing
Resistors can be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including:
- Film deposition: Metal film and thin film resistors are made by depositing a thin layer of resistive material on a ceramic substrate using a vacuum deposition process.
- Wire winding: Wirewound resistors are made by winding a resistive wire around a ceramic or fiberglass core using automated winding machines.
- Carbon composition: Carbon composition resistors are made by mixing carbon powder and a binder material, which is then molded into a cylindrical shape and baked.
- Thick film: Thick film resistors are made by screen-printing a thick layer of resistive material on a ceramic substrate and then firing it in a high-temperature furnace.
Once the resistors are manufactured, they may be trimmed or adjusted to achieve a precise resistance value using laser trimming or mechanical trimming techniques. The resistors are then typically coated with a protective layer to prevent damage from environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and vibration.
