Table of Contents
Are resistors made from semiconductors?
Semiconductor resistors are merely resistors formed in a semiconductor substrate such as silicon. Semiconductor resistors range in conductivity between a conductor (such as copper or gold) and an insulator (such as glass). Conductivity increases with temperature, which is behavior that is the opposite of metal.
How is a resistor made?
The resistive element is made from a mixture of finely powdered carbon and an insulating material, usually ceramic. A resin holds the mixture together. The resistance is determined by the ratio of the fill material (the powdered ceramic) to the carbon.
What semiconductor material is generally used in the production of resistors?
Varistor Resistors: These types of resistors are made of semiconductor materials like silicon and ceramic metal-oxides. The resistance value of these resistors varies along with the applied voltage of a circuit.
How does a resistor create resistance?
A resistor works by restricting the flow of current, it can do this in one of three ways: firstly, by using a less conductive material, secondly by making the conductive material thinner and finally by making the conductive material longer.
What material are resistors made of?
The resistive element is made from a mixture of fine carbon particles and a non-conductive ceramic material. The substance is pressed into a cylindrical shape and baked. The resistance value depends on the dimensions of the body and the ratio between carbon and ceramic material. More carbon means a lower resistance.
What are fixed resistors?
Fixed Resistor Definition A resistor having a fixed, defined electrical resistance which is not adjustable. In an ideal world a perfect resistor would have a constant ohmic resistance under all circumstances. This resistance would be independent of for example frequency, voltage or temperature.
How does the resistance of the resistor change?
As resistance is reduced current flow increases, conversely as resistance is increased current flow reduces. Hence the name ‘resistor’, since it “resists” the ‘flow’ of current through a conductor.
How do resistors protect other components in a circuit?
Resistors ensure components receive the proper voltage by creating a voltage drop, and they can protect a component from voltage spikes. If a component in your circuit requires less voltage than the rest of your circuit, a resistor will create a voltage drop to ensure the component does not receive too much voltage.
How can you realize a resistor in a semiconductor?
The N-type emitter diffusion and P-type base diffusion are commonly used to realize the monolithic resistor. The diffused resistor has a severe limitation in that, only small valued resistors can be fabricated.