A resistance is a criterion for how much electrical current is forced inside a conductor. In other words, resistance is a measure of the resistance of a conductor to electric current. The unit of resistance is called “ohm” (Ω). The resistance of a conductor varies depending on its material, dimensions, temperature and shape.
Types of Resistors
What are the Types of Resistors, Where Are They Used?
A resistor is an element used to resist an electric current. There are different types of resistors for different applications. Now let’s take a detailed look at the most commonly used types of resistors together with you.
Types of Fixed Resistors:
Carbon Film Resistors: This type of resistor produced using carbon particles is generally preferred in low power applications. They are economical and widely used.
Metal Film Resistors: These resistors, produced using a metal oxide film layer, have high sensitivity and stability and are superior to carbon film resistors.
Wire Wound Resistors: They are used in high power applications. It is wound on a metal wire, insulation material is suitable for high strength ratings.
SMD Resistors: These are compact resistors designed for surface-mounted circuits.
What is a Fixed Resistor and What is it Used for?
A type of resistance whose value cannot be changed, which has a certain and constant resistance value, is called a fixed resistance. Such resistors retain the resistance value determined when they were manufactured and this value cannot be changed by the user.
Characteristics of fixed resistors:
Value Constancy: The most prominent feature of fixed resistors is that the resistance value is constant. This value is usually written on the resistor with color codes or directly with numbers.
Material: Fixed resistors are usually made of materials such as metal oxide, carbon film or metal film.
Purpose of Use: In electronic circuits, fixed resistors are used when a certain resistance value is needed. This is necessary to obtain the desired voltage and current values in the circuit, to protect a component, or to adjust the signals accordingly.
Physical Size: In addition to the resistance value, the power rating of fixed resistors is also important. This indicates how much power (in Watts) the resistor can tolerate. The physical size is usually directly proportional to the power rating of the resistor; that is, resistors with a higher power rating are usually larger.
Fixed resistors are one of the basic components of electronic circuits and are found in almost all electronic circuits. According to the characteristics and purposes of use, different types of fixed resistors are produced.
Types of Variable Resistance (Potentiometer):
Linear Potentiometers: Its resistance changes in direct proportion to the position of the potentiometer. We use it in audio equipment and many other applications.
Logarithmic Potentiometers: Its resistance changes as a logarithmic function of its position. It is usually used for voice control.
The types of resistors whose resistance values can be adjusted are called variable resistors. Such resistors are used to adjust the electrical current in a circuit. The most common form of variable resistors is a potentiometer.
What is a Variable Resistance (Potentiometer) and What is it Used for?
The potentiometer, aka variable resistance, allows us to dynamically adjust the resistance value in an electronic circuit and therefore has a critical role in many applications.
Definition: A potentiometer is a type of resistor whose resistance value can be set by the user. Usually the resistance value is adjusted by a rotating spindle or slider mechanism.
Structure: Basically, the potentiometer consists of a strip of resistance material and a contact point (usually a ‘wiper’ or slider) that moves on this strip. The resistance value can be adjusted by changing the position of the contact point.
Areas Of Use:
Volume Control: Volume buttons are usually potentiometers. By turning the knob, the volume is increased or decreased.
Lighting Adjustment: Potentiometers are used to adjust the brightness level of some lamps.
Measuring Devices: In some measuring instruments, potentiometers are used to calibrate the device or adjust the readings.
Varieties:
Siometer: It is the most common type. Adjustment is made with the help of a rotating spindle.
Sliding Potentiometer (Fader): Resistance adjustment is made with a linear motion, usually found on audio mixing tables.
Digital Potentiometer: It is used in electronic circuits. The resistance value can be adjusted digitally via microcontrollers.
Features:
The resistance December, maximum power value, physical size and other characteristics of potentiometers may vary depending on their intended use and design.
Types of Special Resistors:
Thermistors: Sensitive to temperature. As the temperature changes, their resistance also changes. It is used to protect devices in cases of overheating or for temperature measurement.
Varistors: They are sensitive to overvoltages. If the voltage rises above a certain value, their resistance decreases rapidly and protects the circuit.
Photo Resistors: These are photosensitive resistors. Their resistance varies depending on the light intensity. They are used as light sensors.
What is a Special Resistance?
Types of resistors designed for specific applications or special functions are called special resistors. They are usually used for features or performance requirements that standard fixed or variable resistors cannot provide.
Some common types of special resistors are:
Thermistors: These are temperature sensitive resistors. As the temperature changes, their resistance also changes. There are two main types:
Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Thermistors: Their resistance increases as the temperature increases.
Thermistors with Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC): Their resistance decreases as the temperature increases. They are used for temperature measurement and protection of circuits from excessive heat.
Varistors (Voltage Sensitive Resistors): These are resistors whose resistance decreases rapidly if the voltage rises above a certain level. They are used to limit overvoltage fluctuations.
Photo Resistors (LDR – Light Dependent Resistor): They are sensitive to light. Their resistance varies depending on the light intensity. They have high resistance in the dark and low resistance in the light.
Magnetoresistances: These types of resistors are sensitive to the applied magnetic field. Their resistance varies depending on the strength of the magnetic field.
Surge Resistors: They are used to protect the circuit against high current pulses or overvoltage fluctuations.
Ultra-High Resistance Resistors: These are special resistors with very high resistance values used in electronic measurement and testing equipment.
Special resistors may be made of special materials in order to perform certain functions, or they may be manufactured with special production techniques. They can come in different shapes, sizes and features depending on the applications they are used in.
Where is the Resistance Used?
Electronic Circuits: In electronic devices, resistors are used to control a certain voltage and current level. This ensures the correct operation of the device.
Heating Elements: In devices such as electric stoves, water heaters and electric ovens, resistors convert electrical energy into thermal energy.
Illumination: Especially in the old type tungsten filament bulbs, the filament produces light by showing resistance.
Sensors: Special types of resistors, such as thermistors (resistors that change with temperature) and photo resistors (resistors that change with light), are used in different sensors.
Speed Control: In electric fans, drills and other motorized tools, resistors are used to adjust the speed of the motor.
Overvoltage Protection: Varistors are used to protect electronic circuits against overvoltages. When a certain voltage is exceeded, their resistance drops and protects the circuit.
Resistance has a vital importance in the field of electricity and electronics. Many devices in our daily life work thanks to this simple but important component. The correct use of the resistor ensures that the devices work both efficiently and safely.
What is the Difference Between Resistance and Deceleration?
The concepts of “resistance” and “resistance” are often confused with each other because both terms are associated with the difficulty that a conductor faces against an electric current. However, there are some differences between these two terms in terms of language and application. Dec.
Linguistic Difference:
Resistance: The word “resistance” in Turkish generally means the difficulty or reaction that one thing puts up against another. In the context of electricity, “resistance” means the difficulty of a conductor against current, and the unit of this difficulty is expressed in ohms (Ω).
Resistors: The word “resistance” is actually another name for resistance and means the same thing. However, this term is used in Turkey, especially in electric heating elements. That is, linguistically, “resistance” is used for electrical resistance elements that generate heat, while “resistance” has a more general meaning.
The Difference According to the Areas of Use:
Resistance: In electronic circuits, a passive component used to limit or control the electrical current in a certain area of a circuit is called a “resistor”. These components can be produced in different values (in ohms).
Resistors: Components that convert electrical energy into thermal energy are usually called “resistors”. For example, the heating elements in electric stoves, water heaters or ovens are called resistors.
In summary, there are some linguistic and practical differences between the concepts of “resistance” and “resistor”, but basically both terms refer to the difficulty that a conductor Decries an electric current. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the use of these terms according to the context.
Resistors are one of the basic components of electronic circuits. Deciding on the correct resistance is critical for the correct operation of the circuit. We wish this information to help you when deciding on the most suitable residence for your application. Click here to view our resistance and resistance product productions.