There are many different types of resistors with their own applications, characteristics, and structures. This article lists different types of resistors in resistors.
1. Fix the resistor
The fixed resistance type is the most common resistance type. When people talk about resistors, they probably mean fixed resistors. The figure on the right shows an axial carbon film resistor, which is the most common type on older printed circuit boards (PCBS). A fixed resistance has a constant resistance value. Use different resistance materials for fixed resistors. For all types of resistors, the material affects the characteristics of the resistance, such as tolerances, cost, and noise. Fixed resistors are packaged in axial and SMD.
Variable resistor
There are several types of variable resistors, and their general characteristic is that the resistance value can be adjusted. Most variable resistors are adjusted by mechanical motion (linear or rotational). When they are used as variable voltage dividers, they are called potentiometers. When they are used as variable resistors to control current in a circuit, they are called rheostat. Digital potentiometers are controlled electronically, not by mechanical action. Typically, a tolerance of 20% for variable resistors and 5% for fixed resistors is the most common.
3. Thermistor
A thermistor is a resistance whose value varies significantly with temperature. When the temperature increases, the NTC thermistor decreases and the PTC thermistor increases. Thermistors are usually used as temperature sensors or thermal protection devices.
4. Varistor
A varistor has a nonlinear resistance that depends on the voltage across the varistor. If the voltage is above a certain threshold, the resistance of the varistor will drop rapidly. There are different types of varistors, but MOV varistors are now the most commonly used type. Its characteristics make it suitable for overvoltage protection devices, often used in surge protection devices.
5. Photosensitive resistance
As the light intensity increases, the resistance of the photoresistor or photoresistor decreases. They are usually used to identify light or darkness; For example, turning on streetlights at night.
6. Magnetosensitive resistance
Magnetoresistance types can be used to detect and measure magnetic fields. The resistance of a magnetoresistor varies with the strength and direction of the magnetic field.