An ohmic resistor is a passive electrical component that restricts the flow of electric current in a circuit by converting electrical energy into heat. It is also known as a linear resistor because its resistance remains constant irrespective of the applied voltage or current.
What is an Ohmic Resistor?
What is an Ohmic Resistor? An ohmic resistor is a passive electrical component that restricts the flow of electric current in a circuit by converting electrical energy into heat. It is also known as a linear resistor because its resistance remains constant irrespective of the applied voltage or current. Ohmic resistors are widely used in electronic circuits to limit current flow, control voltage levels, and divide voltages. They are also used as load resistors in amplifiers, filter circuits, voltage regulators, and power supplies.
The resistance of an ohmic resistor depends on its material, length, cross-sectional area, and temperature. When a voltage source is connected across the resistor, it creates an electric field that pushes electrons through the material. The electrons collide with the atoms in the material, creating resistance to the flow of current. This process generates heat and dissipates power from the circuit.
Applications
Ohmic resistors are widely used in electronic circuits to limit current flow, control voltage levels, and divide voltages. They are also used as load resistors in amplifiers, filter circuits, voltage regulators, and power supplies.
Types of Ohmic Resistors
There are two main types of ohmic resistors: fixed resistors and variable resistors. Fixed resistors have a fixed resistance value that cannot be changed easily while variable resistors allow users to adjust their resistance values according to their needs.
Fixed Resistors
Fixed resistors come in different shapes and sizes such as axial leaded resistors, surface mount resistors, carbon film resistors, metal film resistors, wire wound resistors etc.
Variable Resistors
Variable resistors include potentiometers (pot), rheostats or trimmers which can be adjusted manually or automatically using external signals to change their resistance values.
Conclusion,
Ohmic Resistances are essential components for electronic devices as they regulate electrical currents and prevent damage to components within the device. With fixed and variable options available there is a wide range of uses for these little devices making them vital tools for engineers around the world.