Various Uses of a Resistor

Introduction: Uses of a Resistor

Resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element. Let’s see the various uses of a Resistor

What is a Resistor in Electronics?

• Resistor is electrical or electronic components which resist the flow of current across the resistor device.
• Resistor values are expressed in Ohms, the electric resistance unit. Many types of resistors are used having different uses and construction. The most common types have a fixed value of resistance so are often called fixed resistors.

The Function of Resistor

• The resistance to current flow results in a voltage drop across the resistor device. Resistors are used extensively throughout electrical and electronic circuits.
• Resistor devices may provide a fixed, variable, or adjustable value of resistance. Adjustable resistors are refers to as rheostats, or potentiometers.
• Fixed resistors have resistances that only change slightly with temperature, time or operating voltage.
• Variable resistors can be used to adjust circuit elements (such as a volume control or a lamp dimmer), or as sensing devices for heat, light, humidity, force, or chemical activity.

What does a Variable Resistor do?

• Variable resistors consist of a resistance track with connections at both ends and a wiper which moves along the track as you turn the spindle. The track is usually rotary but straight track versions, usually called sliders, are also available.
• The track may be made from carbon, cermet (ceramic and metal mixture) or a coil of wire (for low resistances). Variable resistors are often called potentiometers in books and catalogues.
• They are specified by their maximum resistance, linear or logarithmic track, and their physical size. Variable resistors may be used as a rheostat with two connections (the wiper and just one end of the track) or as a potentiometer with all three connections in use

Types of Resistor

• Fixed resistor
• Non-Linear Resistors. Types of non-linear resistors are varistors, thermistors and photoresistors.
• Metal-Film Resistors
• Metal Oxide Resistors
• Thick Film Resistors
• Thin Film Resistors
• Carbon Composition Resistors
• Ceramic Composition Resistors
• Wire wound Resistors
• High Precision Resistors
• Neutral Grounding Resistors
• Dynamic Braking Resistor
• Rheostat
• Variable resistors or Potentiometer

Uses of a Resistor

There are various uses of a Resistor. The following are some uses of resistor

• It is used to Drop voltage
• Limit current
• Attenuate signals
• Act as heaters
• Act as fuses
• It is used Furnish electrical loads
• Divide voltages.
• Resistors are used in high frequency instrument.
• Resistor is used in power control circuit.
• It is used in DC power supplies.
• Resistors are used in filter circuit networks.
• Used in amplifiers, oscillators, telecommunication and digital multimeter.
• It is used in wave generators.
• Resistors are used in transmitters, modulators and demodulators.
• It is used in medical instrument.
• Used in instrumentation applications.
• Resistor is used in voltage regulators.
• It is used in feedback amplifiers.
• Used in LEDs and also transistor

RESISTOR FAQ

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING?
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR OTHER GREAT CONTENT HERE:

• LVDT- CONSTRUCTION, WORKING PRINCIPLE , APPLICATIONS, ADVANTAGES, AND DISADVANTAGES
• HOW AN IGBT WORKS?
• SCR VI CHARACTERISTICS EXPLAINED IN DETAIL
• STEP UP TRANSFORMER: DEFINITION, CONSTRUCTION, WORKING & APPLICATIONS
• LIMITATIONS OF OHM’S LAW
• INDUCTION MOTOR: WORKING PRINCIPLE, TYPES & APPLICATION
• STRAIN GAUGE WORKING PRINCIPLE
• TYPES OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER
• WHAT IS OPERATING SYSTEM AND ITS TYPE
• WHAT ARE THE USES OF CAPACITOR
• HOW THE MOSFET WORKS?
• POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT METHODS
• WORKING PRINCIPLE OF SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
• SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR STARTING METHOD
• WHY THE SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR IS NOT SELF STARTING
• WHAT IS A UNIVERSAL MOTOR ?
• WORKING OF AN INDUCTOR – EXPLAINED

Share this post: on Twitter on Facebook on Google+