Types of Resistors

A resistor is a passive component that reduces voltage or limits the current flowing through a circuit. This component can also absorb energy and dissipate this energy in the form of heat. Its resistance to the flow of electrons is determined by the conductive materials with which it is built. The materials used in the composition of a resistor perform a critical role in enabling performance reliability and stability, particularly for high-voltage, high-power, high stability/accuracy or high-current applications. Our resistors portfolio contains two types of resistors: fixed resistors (including surface mount, through-hole, and chassis mount), which offer one resistance value and are used in almost all applications; and variable resistors (including potentiometers and trimmers), which offer broad resistance values and are predominantly used to control either current or voltage by changing the resistance value. Choosing the right resistor is crucial for designing a circuit with the power, accuracy, current or voltage needed to efficiently power any device.