Chapter BC1. Resistor Types
Resistors are the most common passive electronic component (one that does not require power to operate). They are used to control voltages and currents. While a resistor is a very basic component, there are many ways to manufacture them. Each style has its own characteristics that make it desirable in certain types of applications. Choosing the right type of resistor is important to making high-performance or precision circuits work well. This bonus chapter covers the resistor types and helps with picking the right one for your project.
Meet the Resistors
All resistors are basically just a piece of conducting material with a specific value of resistance. For that piece of conducting material to be made into a practical resistor, a pair of electrodes and leads are attached so current can flow. The resistor is then coated with an insulating material to protect the conducting material from the surrounding environment and vice versa. There are several different resistor-construction methods and body styles (or packages) that are designed for a certain range of applied voltage, power dissipation, or other considerations. The construction of the resistor can affect its performance at high frequencies where it may act like a small inductor or capacitor has been added, called parasitic inductance or capacitance.
Carbon-composition resistors ...
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