Resistor Definition of Terms:
'A', 'B', 'C', 'D/E', 'F-L', 'M', 'N', 'O', 'P', 'Q-R', 'S', 'T', 'V-Z'
Quick Connect Resistor: A resistor using quick connect blades [terminals] as leads. Resistors using quick connect terminals may also be of the bolt-on style package. The quick connect terminals would not be used to secure the package to it's mount surface, so a lug and bolt mounting style is used.
Radial Lead: A resistor in a radial lead package, a through-hole component. Both leads of a radial lead component extend out uniformly around the central axis of the component. |
 Power Resistor |
Rated Continuous Working Voltage: [RCWV]
RCWV = {(Rated Power) x (Resistance Value)}1/2
or Maximum Working Voltage, which ever is less.
Ratio Tolerance: For a resistor divider or network, this is the tolerance of the ratio and the relationship of each resistor to the others. It is often practical to specify tight ratio tolerances and loose absolute tolerances.
Resistor Networks Derating Curves.
Rheostat: A variable resistor. A three terminal potentiometer which only uses two terminals [Wiper and one terminal]. A variable resistor used for the purpose of adjusting the current in a circuit. The material used determines the Variable Resistor's operational range [temperature and wattage]. The material may be; Carbon composition, Resistive wire [Wirewound], Conductive Plastic, and Cermet [a mixture of ceramic and metal].
Resistance: The opposition a device or material offers to the flow of current. The effect of resistance is to raise the temperature of the material or device carrying the current. A circuit element designed to offer a predetermined resistance to current flow. A resistance of 1 ohm will allow a current of 1 ampere to flow through it when a potential of 1 volt is applied.
Resistance Noise: Thermal Noise. See Noise
Resistance Wire: A wire made of an alloy [Nichrome Wire] which has a high resistance per unit length. Resistance Wire is used in Wirewound resistors.
Resistivity: The reciprocal of conductivity. The measure of the resistance to current flow of a material.
Resistor Tolerance: The permissible deviation of the manufactured resistance value (expressed in percent) from the specified nominal resistance value at standard (or stated) environmental conditions. Definition of Resistor Tolerance
Resistor: The electrical component that offers resistance to the flow of current. It may be a coil of fine wire or a composition rod. Also refer a listing of Resistor Manufacturers. |
 Resistor |
RHO. Greek letter "rho". Used in the field of electricity and electronics to represent the specific resistance of a substance.
Rod / Tube Resistor. A package style where the resistor is in the shape of a solid or filled tube structure.
RoHS. The elimination of lead [Pb] from the component [in this case]. In strict terms RoHS compliant devices eliminate a number of toxic substances from their construction. For a more detailed description, refer to the RoHS Definition.
Rotational Life: The number of revolutions a potentiometer will endure before failure. A Trimmer has a very small Rotational Life compared to a potentiometer. Rotational life applies to single turn or multi-turn devices, and could be in the 10's of thousands to 100's of thousands of turns depending on the quality of the component.
