Resistors

Resistors are fundamental passive components that limit current flow and divide voltages in every electronic circuit. This category includes thick film, thin film, metal film, carbon film, wirewound, current sense (shunt), and metal oxide resistors in both surface mount (SMD) and through-hole packages. Key parameters: resistance value (milliohms to gigaohms), tolerance (±0.01% to ±20%), power rating (1/16W to 100W+), temperature coefficient (TCR, ppm/°C), and package size (0201 to 2512 SMD, axial/radial through-hole). Specialized types include precision resistors for instrumentation, high-voltage resistors for power supplies, anti-surge resistors for protection circuits, and AEC-Q200 qualified automotive-grade resistors. Popular manufacturers: YAGEO, Vishay, Panasonic, Bourns, TE Connectivity, Rohm, KOA Speer, and Susumu. Selecting the right resistor requires balancing cost, tolerance requirements, and thermal derating for your operating environment.