The resistor is one of the most essential electrical and electronic component that is used

in various electronic devices. These are available in different sizes as well as shapes in
the market based on the application. We know that, any basic electrical and electronic
circuit’s works with the flow of current. Additionally, this is also categorized into two
types namely conductors as well as insulators. The main function of the conductor is to
allow the flow of current whereas an insulator doesn’t allow the flow of current.
Whenever a high voltage is supplied through a conductor like metal, then the total
voltage will supply through it. If the resistor is connected to that conductor then the flow
of current, as well as the voltage, will be restricted. This article discusses an overview of
the resistor.
What is a Resistor?
The definition of the resistor is, it is a basic two-terminal electrical and electronic
component used to restrict the current flow in a circuit. The resistance toward the flow of
current will result in the voltage drop. These devices may provide a permanent,
adjustable resistance value. The value of resistors can be expressed in Ohms.

Resistor

Resistors are employed in several electrical as well as electronic circuits to make a

known voltage drop otherwise current to voltage (C-to-V) relationship. When the flow of
current in a circuit is identified then a resistor can be utilized for creating an identified
potential difference which is proportional to the current. Similarly, if the voltage drop
across two points in a circuit is identified, a resistor can be utilized for creating an
identified current which is proportional to that dissimilarity. Please refer to the link to
know more about:
 Resistor Symbol

What is Resistance?
The resistance can depend on the Ohm’s law which is discovered by the German
physicist namely “Georg Simon Ohm”.

The Ohm’s law can be defined as; the voltage across a resistor is
directly proportional to the current flow through it. The Ohms law
equation is;
V=I*R
The units of resistance are Ohms, and the superior several multiple values of ohm
include KΩ (Kilo-Ohms), MΩ (Mega-Ohms), Milli Ohms, etc

Construction of a Resistor
For example, a carbon film resistor is taken to give details of the construction of a
resistor. The construction of a resistor is shown in the below diagram. This resistor
consists of two terminals like a normal resistor. The construction of a carbon film
resistor can be done by placing the carbon layer on a substrate of a ceramic. The
carbon film is a resistive material toward the flow of current in this resistor. However, it
blocks some amount of current.
 Carbon Film Resistor Construction
The substrate of the ceramic performs like the insulating material toward the current. So
it doesn’t let the heat through the ceramic. Thus, these resistors can resist high
temperatures without any harm. The end caps on the resistor are metallic that are
placed at both ends of the terminals. The two terminals are connected at the two
metallic end caps on the resistor.

This resistor’s resistive element is covered by epoxy intended for safety. These resistors
are mostly used due to the less noise they produce compare with carbon composition
resistors. The tolerance value of these resistors is low then the carbon composition
resistors. The tolerance value can be defined as the dissimilarity among our preferred
resistance value, as well as the genuine construction value. The resistors are
accessible in the range from 1Ω to 10MΩ.

In this resistor, the preferred resistance value can be attained with either cutting the
width of a carbon layer in a helical style with its length. Generally, this can be done with
the help of the LASER. Once the required resistance value is attained then the cutting of
metal will be stopped.
In this type of resistor, when the resistance of these resistors decreases once the
temperature increases, which is known as the high negative temperature coefficient.

Resistor Circuit Diagram

The simple resistor circuit diagram is shown below. This circuit can be designed using a
resistor, a battery, and an LED. We know that the function of resistance is to restrict the
flow of current throughout the component.
 resistor Circuit
Diagram

In the following circuit, if we want to connect the LED directly with the voltage source
battery, then it will damage immediately. As the LED will not allow a large amount of
flow of current through it, due to this reason a resistor is employed in between the
battery as well as LED for controlling the flow of current toward the LED from the
battery.

The resistance value mainly depends on the rating of the battery. For example, if the
rating of the battery is high, then we have to use the resistor with high resistance value.
The resistance value can be measured using the formula Ohm’s Law.

Resistors in Series and Parallel

The simple way of connecting resistors in series as well as parallel in the circuit is
discussed below.

Resistors in Series Connection

In a series circuit connection, when the resistors are connected in series in a circuit,
then the flow of current through the resistors will be same. The voltage across all
resistors is equivalent toward the number of voltages across every resistor. The circuit
diagram of the resistors in series connection is shown below. Here the resistors used in
the circuit are denoted with R1, R2, R3. The total resistance of the three resistors can
be written as

R Total = R1 + R2 = R3

Resistors in Series Connection

Resistors in Parallel Connection

In a parallel circuit connection, when the resistors are connected in parallel in a circuit,
then the voltage across every resistor will be same. The flow of current across the three
components will be the same as the amount of current across every resistor.
The circuit diagram of the resistors in parallel connection is shown below. Here the
resistors used in the circuit are denoted with R1, R2, and R3. The total resistance of the
three resistors can be written as,
R Total = R1 + R2 = R3
1/ R Total = 1/ R1 + 1/ R2 + 1/ R3.
As a result, Rtotal = R1 * R2 * R3 / R1 + R2 + R3
Resistors in Parallel Connection

Resistance Value Calculation

The resistance value of a resistor can be calculated using the following two methods

 Resistance Value Calculation using Color Code
 Resistance Value Calculation using Multimeter
Resistance Value Calculation using Color Code

The resistance value of a resistor can be calculated using the resistor color bands.
Please refer to this link to know Different Types of Resistors and Its Color Code
Calculation in Electronics.

Resistor Color Code

Resistance Value Calculation using Multimeter

The step by step procedure of calculating the resistance of a resistor using multimeter is
discussed below.

Multimeter


 The second method for calculating the resistance can be done with the help of the multimeter or
ohmmeter. The main purpose of the multimeter device is to calculate three functions like
resistance, current, and voltage.

 The multimeter consists of two probes such as black robe as well as a red robe.

 Place the black probe into the COM port, as well as place the red probe into the VΩmA on the
multimeter.

 One can calculate the resistance of a resistor using two different probes of a multimeter.
 Before resistance calculation, you have to place the round disk in the direction of an ohm, which is
indicated on the multimeter with the Ohm (Ω) symbol.
Applications of Resistor
The applications of resistor include the following.

 High-Frequency Instruments

 DC Power Supplies

 Filter Circuit Networks

 Oscillators

 Voltage Regulators

 Medical Instruments

 Digital Multimeter

 Transmitters

 Power Control Circuit

 Amplifiers

 Telecommunication

 Wave generators

 Modulators and Demodulators
 Feedback Amplifiers