9/24/2017 Outline of a Resistor | Electronics Basics | ROHM

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Outline of a Resistor
Resistor Map: Classications
There is a broad range of resistors. In order to know the position of ROHM's resistors, we have
attempted to classify not only based on the general materials used, but also in terms of the shape,
integration level, and functions.

Classication by Function
This is the classication based on the functions of the resistors. The classication is made as xed
resistors and variable resistors, and, normally, the word "resistor" implies a xed resistor.

Variable Resistors:
Variable resistors are composed of a xed resistor element and a slider which taps onto the main
resistor element. This gives three connections to the component: the xed resistor element, the main
resistor element, and the slider. Because of this, the component acts as a variable potential divider
for all three connections that are being used. If variable resistance is desired, It is possible to connect
to the slider on one end.

Fixed Resistors:
The most widely used type of resistor is the xed resistor. They are used in electronics circuits to set
the conditions for a circuit. During the design phase their values are determined, which from then on.
they should never need to be changed to "adjust" the circuit.

Most xed resistors use thin lm technology and are of the surface mount type. As these are used in
their billions these days, this makes this form of resistor technology one of the most widely used.

The gures above show the cross-sectional views of surface mounted type resistors.

Classication by Material Used

This is the classication based on the material used for making the resistors. Apart from the generally
well-known metal glazed type, there are the following types of resistors according to this Back to Top
classication.

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Metal glazed resistors

These are made by sintering on alumina or other substrates mixtures of metal or metal oxide with
glass.

Classication by Shape
Broadly, this is the classication of resistors into leaded type and surface mounted type.

Square chip type The square chip type surface mounted resistors are the major products of
ROHM resistors and were developed for the rst time in the industry by ROHM.

Leadless type These are round chip resistors.

Radial type This is a form of leaded type resistors that are compatible with vertical tapings
and applied only to the products to be packaged in tapes.

Axial type This is a form of leaded type resistors in which the leads come out straight
from the body of the resistor in the axial direction on both sides of the resistor
body.

Classication Based on the Level of Integration

Composite resistors are products in which several resistors are integrated together in a single
package.

Composite resistors
These are resistors in which several resistors of the same or different resistance values are formed
on a single substrate to form a single circuit.

Temperature sensitive resistors (reference) Back to Top

These are resistors using the characteristics of a resistor by which its resistance value changes with

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temperature. Normally, these are used more as sensors than as resistors. Their applications include,
apart from temperature sensing, temperature compensation circuits for the temperature drift of
semiconductor devices.
Features of Resistors
Fixed resistors
Chip resistor
Carbon lm resistor
Metal lm resistor
Metal oxide lm resistor
Wire-wound resistor
Solid resistor
Network resistor
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Outline of a Resistor | Electronics Basics | ROHM
Features
This is a surface mounted type resistor which incorporates
electrodes suitable for PCB surface mounting. Chip resistors are the
most standard resistors today. A little less than 90% of xed resistors
produced are square-shaped chip resistors.
This type of resistors incorporates a solid ceramic core coated with
carbon lm that has electric resistant properties. Carbon lm
resistors have been most popular for low-power applications from a
safety point of view, considering their heat radiation and re
retardation.
Unlike carbon lm resistors, this type of resistors incorporates a
stable ceramic core coated with metal, such as Ni-Cr. Metal lm
resistors excel carbon lm resistors in temperature characteristics,
current-noise suppression level, linearity, and accuracy. On the other
hand, however, metal lm resistors are more expensive than carbon
lm resistors.
Unlike metal lm resistors, this type of resistors incorporates a stable
ceramic core coated with metal oxide, such as tin oxide. The metal
oxide lm does not burn, thus withstanding a few watts. Although
metal oxide lm resistors do not burn, utmost attention is required
when mounting metal oxide lm resistors because they radiate heat.
This type of resistors incorporates a coil of thin metal wire on a
ceramic bobbin. Wire-wound resistors are not so much affected by
temperature. Furthermore, their noise generation is comparatively
low. Their frequency characteristics are, however, poor. Therefore,
they are not suitable for high-frequency circuits. Other types of
resistors have been replacing wire-wound resistors applied to
existing applications, due to diculty in the production of high-
quality wire-wound resistors. Wire-wound resistors for power
applications and those for high-precision applications are available.
This type of resistors incorporates a solid mixture of carbon powder
and resin. Solid resistors are sturdy but not highly precise. Therefore
carbon lm resistors have been gradually replacing solid resistors
applied to existing applications. High-resistance solid resistors
withstanding high voltages are, however, available. They are mainly
applied to power supply circuits and others where high stress is
imposed.
A resistor network is a composite component package consisting of
multiple resistors. Electronic circuits are now employing an
increasing number of network resistors for the elimination the
number of parts, a reduction in labor cost, and high-density
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Variable resistor
Thick lm variable resistor
Carbon lm variable resistor This type of variable resistors incorporates carbon lm that has
Metal lm variable resistor
Characteristics of Resistors
Nominal Resistance
Operating Temperature
Range
Rated Power
Resistance Tolerance
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Outline of a Resistor | Electronics Basics | ROHM
mounting needs. The characteristics of the multiple resistors are the
same as those of thick lm resistors.
Features
This type of variable resistors incorporates thick lm that has electric
resistant properties. The temperature coecient of a thick lm
resistor is smaller than that of a carbon lm variable resistor. Thick
lm resistors in a wide variety of models that are different in shape
from one another are available (e.g., a multi-turn model). Thick lm
resistors are indispensable to the ne-tuning of analog circuits.
electric resistant properties. They are inexpensive but do not have
good performance characteristics. No temperature coecient is
specied for carbon variable resistors, because the temperature
coecient of a carbon variable resistor varies with the resistance.
This type of variable resistors incorporates metal lm that has
electric resistant properties, such as Ni-Cr lm. Metal lm variable
resistors excel carbon lm variable resistors in temperature
characteristics and resistance stability but they are more expensive
than carbon lm variable resistors.
Features
Nominal resistance is established by the IEC (International
Electrotechnical Commission) and expressed by E-series nominal
standard resistance values. An E-series nominal standard resistance
value is determined on the basis of an initial value of 1, a common
radio of 10, and the series number n (6, 12, 24, and so forth). The
rules are intended for regularizing the tolerance of each resistance
value. The E6-, E12-, E24-series, et cetera are available according to
the series number n, which is variable. For example, E12-series
nominal standard resistance values are 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, and so
forth and the tolerance of each nominal standard resistance value is
100. Such progression sequence values are not only applied to
resistance values but also the electrostatic capacitance values of
capacitors.
The operating temperature range of each resistor refers to the range
of ambient temperatures where the resistor can be used in
continuous operation.
The rated power of each resistor refers to the maximum permissible
power applied to the resistor in continual operation at specied
ambient temperature. Usually, the type of resistor as a load is
determined according to the power consumption of the resistor. For
example, a square chip resistor is provided with a maximum power
of 1 W in most cases. If the ambient temperature exceeds 70C, a
decrease in power supply to the load is necessary.
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The resistance tolerance of each resistor refers to the maximum
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permissible dispersion of the nominal resistance of the resistor. This

value is expressed by the code F, G, J, K, or M, which refers to a
permissible tolerance of 1%, 2%,5%, 10%, and 20%
respectively.

Resistance Range The resistance range refers to the available range of resistors that
can replace other manufacturers' series or types of resistors as
equivalent ones. Resistors in a resistance range between 1 and
1M are usually available. Sometimes a resistor with a resistance of
1 or less or 1M or more is required. Be aware that resistors in a Electronics Basics
usual resistance range may not replace some special series or types
What is a Resistor?
of other manufacturers' resistors.
Resistor Basics
Rated Voltage The rated voltage of each resistor refers to the maximum value of DC
Outline of a Resistor
or the maximum root-mean-square value of AC that can be
Chip Resistor Structure
continuously imposed to the resistor at specied ambient
Chip Resistor Specications
temperature. The rated voltage value is calculated from the rated
Chip Resistor Failure Modes
power and nominal resistance on condition that the rated voltage
Advantages of Reverse-Mount Low-Ohmic
does not exceed the maximum operating voltage of the resistor. The Resistors

withstand voltage of a usual resistor refers to this value. FAQ: Resistors

Maximum Operating The maximum operating voltage of each resistor refers to the Technical Data
Voltage
maximum value of DC or the maximum root-mean-square value of Operation Notes

AC that can be imposed on the resistor. Product FAQ

Storage Conditions

Condition Of Soldering

Part Explanation

Standards nominal resistance values,etc.

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