{"id":14045,"date":"2020-08-14T09:00:40","date_gmt":"2020-08-14T16:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/?p=14045"},"modified":"2022-11-21T13:39:36","modified_gmt":"2022-11-21T21:39:36","slug":"how-to-choose-the-right-resistor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-resistor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Right Resistor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Learn what exactly is a resistor, how does it work, and how do you choose the right one for your first PCB design?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you planning to start on your first PCB design? There are so many types of components that you’ll end up using, but none can beat the infamous of them all – the simple resistor<\/a>. If you have ever looked at a circuit board, you’ll find resistors are all over the place, controlling the current flow and making those LEDs light up. But what exactly is a resistor, how does it work, and how in the world do you choose the right one for your first PCB design?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear not, we have you covered with everything you might need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"what-is-a-resistor\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

So…What is a Resistor?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Resistors are one of several passive electrical components, and what they do is relatively simple yet vital – creating resistance in the flow of an electric current. Have you ever seen a LED light up? That was made possible thanks to the trusty resistor. By placing a resistor behind a LED in a circuit, you get all of the brilliant lights without anything burning out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The value of a resistor is its resistance, measured in Ohms (\u2126).  If you have ever taken a basic electronics course, then your instructor likely drilled Ohm’s Law<\/a> into your head. You will use Ohm’s Law time and time again when dealing with resistors. More to come on this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ohms-law\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finding a resistor symbol on a schematic is easy. The international symbol is a standard rectangular shape, but the US standard has the zigzag line that makes it easy to identify. Regardless of the form, both styles have a set of terminals connecting the ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"resistor-symbol\"
The resistor symbol in both US and International versions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

What Are the Different Types of Resistors?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

There’s a ton of resistors floating about that are divided into two categories – construction type<\/strong> and resistance material<\/strong>. Let’s cover both:<\/p>\n\n\n

Construction Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n