Overview
Common fixed resistors are manufactured using different materials and processes, which determine their electrical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics. The following sections summarize typical types and their main properties.
Carbon film resistors
Carbon film resistors are made by decomposing carbon at high temperature in vacuum and depositing the resulting carbon film onto a ceramic substrate. They offer good voltage stability and low cost, and are widely used in standard electronic products.
Metal film resistors
Metal film resistors are produced by evaporating and depositing metals or alloys onto a ceramic substrate under high-temperature vacuum conditions. Their resistance values are usually indicated by color bands. They have higher temperature resistance, lower temperature coefficient, better thermal stability, and lower noise than carbon film types. Compared with carbon film resistors, metal film resistors are smaller in size but typically more expensive.
Metal oxide film resistors
Metal oxide film resistors are made by depositing metal salts, such as tin and antimony compounds, onto a ceramic substrate via high-temperature spray deposition. Compared with metal film resistors, they offer improved oxidation resistance, acid resistance, and high-temperature performance.
Synthetic carbon film resistors
Synthetic carbon film resistors are produced by preparing a suspension of carbon black, fillers, and organic binders, spraying it onto an insulating substrate, and then curing. These resistors are typically used for high-voltage, high-resistance applications and are often sealed with a glass outer layer.
Glass-enamel resistors
Glass-enamel resistors are made by mixing metal oxides with a glass-enamel binder, applying the paste to an insulating substrate, and firing at high temperature. They are characterized by high temperature resistance, moisture resistance, good stability, low noise, and a wide resistance range. Resistance values are often marked directly.
Cement resistors
Cement resistors are encapsulated using ceramic and mineral materials. They are designed for higher power and lower resistance applications and feature good flame resistance and explosion protection characteristics.
Resistor arrays and networks
Resistor arrays, also called resistor networks, integrate multiple discrete resistors arranged in a specific pattern into a single package. They provide compact, matched resistances for applications requiring multiple resistors.
Surface-mount resistors
Surface-mount resistors are fixed resistors designed for surface-mount technology. They are generally compact and used in high-density electronic products. To accommodate surface-mount assembly processes, these resistors are manufactured without leads.
