How Many Types Of Resistors?

There are mainly two types of resistors: Linear resistors and Non-linear resistors.

A resistor is a device that resists the flow of electric current. It is used to regulate the flow of electric current. Resistors are commonly made up of Glass, Mica, Wood, Rubber, etc.

The unit of resistance is Ohm (Ω).

In electronic circuits, resistors are used to adjust signal levels, reduce current flow, activate bias elements, terminate transmission lines, divide voltages, etc.

Types Of Resistor

Resistors are basically divided into two types- linear resistors and non-linear resistors.

Linear Resistors

• When applied temperature and pressure change, the value of resistors also changes. Such types of resistors are known as linear resistors.

• When current flows through them, they create voltage drops across themselves.

• There are two types of linear resistors:

1. Fixed: they are resistors with a specific value. They are used widely.

2. Variable: they consist of a slider, main resistor element, and fixed resistor element.

Non-Linear Resistors

• In these types of resistors, when the applied temperature or voltage changes, the current flowing through it also changes.

• The current doesn't change as stated in Ohm's Law.

• There are four main types of nonlinear resistors:

1. Varistors: they are made up of semiconductors, and current is dependent on the applied voltage, non-linearly.

2. Photo/ light dependent: resistance decreases with an increase in the intensity of incident light.

3. Surface mount resistors: they are made to use with surface mount technology and are rectangular in shape.

4. Thermistors: they are sensitive towards temperature. Resistance is inversely proportional to temperature.

Examples

1. Examples of fixed resistors are:

   • Carbon Composition Resistors.

   • Thin Film Resistors

   • Wire Wound Resistors

2. Examples of the variable resistor are:

   • Rheostat

   • Potentiometer

   • Trimmer resistor