Specifications of resistors

The important specifications of resistors are as given below,

• Range of resistance value: The resistors are manufactured with specified values.
• Tolerance: A manufactured resistor has a certain tolerance to which the resistance may differ from the nominal value.
• Power rating: Power rating is the maximum power supported by the resistor. This rating is measured in watts (W) to explain how much heat energy a resistor can dissipate without overheating and sustaining damage.
• Operating temperature: The operating temperature is the temperature that the resistor can continue to operate before being damaged.
• Operating voltage: The operating voltage of a resistor specifies the maximum voltage above which the resistor may damage.
• Thermal stability: The thermal stability of a resistor is indicated by temperature coefficient which is usually expressed in parts per million per degree centigrade. The smaller value of temperature coefficient will have less variation in the resistance value.