Quick Guide to Picking the Right Resistor Pack or Network for Your Electronic Project

Are you building new electronic gadgets or appliances? Then, you must know the importance of choosing the right components. Among many essential components, resistor networks (or resistor packs) are extremely important. A resistor is a component that controls the flow of electric current in a device. On the other hand, a resistor pack is a component that contains multiple resistors packaged together in a single unit.

Look-wise, a resistor pack is a small rectangular package with several pins protruding. Function-wise, it can make the circuits more reliable as well as improve the accuracy of the electronic device. These benefits are possible only if you pick the right resistor pack.

In this blog post, we highlight how to select the perfect resistor pack or network for the best outcomes. Continue reading this blog until the end to take away a treasure of practical details. Let’s begin with the blog post now without any delay.

Real-Life Applications of Resistor Networks

Resistor packs or networks can be used in the following gadgets:

TVs
Laptops
Smartphones
Washing machines
Microwaves
Air conditioners
Digital clocks
Advertising boards
Calculators
Gaming consoles
Automobiles

And the list is too long……….

Moving further, here are the top benefits of resistor packs:

Resistor packs save space in circuit boards in compact devices.
No need for soldering multiple discrete resistors! One package does the job perfectly.
A resistor pack makes it easy to read the circuit.
All resistors are manufactured with very similar values in many resistor packs. Meaning there will be accuracy across channels.
A single resistor package indicates there is a reduced chance of incorrect placement.

Common Types of Resistor Packs

Here are the most common types of resistor packs you can choose from.

1) Isolated Resistor Pack

Each resistor inside the resistor package is entirely independent. Meaning there are no internal connections between them.

Such a system is beneficial when you need numerous resistors of the same value in one circuit.

2) Bussed Resistor Pack

In this system, one side of all resistors is connected to a single pin. The other end remains isolated.

Such a system is useful when multiple signals need to be pulled up to the same voltage or when they need to be tied to the ground.

3) Custom or Specialized Networks

Some manufacturers also develop customized networks, as listed below.

Voltage divider networks: These are for scaling down voltages.
Matched resistor arrays: In these systems, resistors are designed with precise ratios.

Let’s now master the art of choosing the finest resistor packages for your upcoming project.

How to Pick The Finest Resistor Packs for Your Next Project?

Here is the detailed guide to the parameters you must consider while selecting a resistor pack.

1) Resistance value

The resistance value calculates how the resistor will influence current or voltage in the circuit. Meaning the resistance of a resistor controls the amount of current flowing through it.

According to Ohm’s Law:

V=I×R

V is the voltage across the resistor.

I is the current flowing through it.

R is the resistance in ohms (Ω).

You have to define the purpose of the network in the design and then choose the perfect resistance value depending on that purpose.

Examples:

Common values for LED applications include 220Ω, 330Ω, or 470Ω. Keep in mind that too high or too low value can burn out the LED.
Pull-up or pull-down resistor values for digital circuits should fall in the range of 1kΩ to 10kΩ.

2) Number of resistors

Consider these pointers while selecting a network:

The number of resistors should align with your circuit needs. For example, an 8-LED display with a series resistor needs 8 resistors(at least).
Are future modifications expected for the device? Yes? Then, you must choose a large network. This way, you won’t have to replace the entire component when the need for additional resistors arises.
Do not forget about pins. Every resistor has pins that have to be connected to the circuit. Make sure that the PCB design can accommodate the total number of pins. Keep in mind that resistors will not connect to the circuit if you don’t check the pins. It may lead to malfunctioning.

3) Configuration

The isolated <a href=”https://example.com/resistor-network” target=”_blank”>resistor network</a> The isolated resistor networks configuration is the right choice when multiple resistors are used in separate parts of the circuit. Such a configuration will offer maximum flexibility.
In contrast, the bussed networks are used for pull-up or pull-down applications. They are used where multiple lines need to connect to a common voltage.

4) Power rating

Each resistor can handle only a certain amount of electrical power. The amount it can handle is often measured in watts. Exceeding the amount can lead to the following issues.

Overheating
Component failure
Damage to the circuit board

Here’s how to make the right choice:

Is it for low-power applications? The common ratings for networks are: 1/16W, 1/8W, and 1/4W per resistor.
Is it for microcontrollers or LEDs? Pick the networks with a low-power rating. It can work well.
Is it for high-current applications? Choose the networks with higher wattage ratings.

Remember that failure to consider the power rating can lead to circuit failure.

5) Tolerance

Tolerance implies how close the exact resistance of a resistor is to its nominal value. Tolerance is often measured in percentage. A ±7% tolerance means that the resistor can vary 7% above or below its labeled value.

±5% or ±10% tolerance is reliable for general-purpose applications. For example, LED.
±1% tolerance is best for high-precision analog circuits.
You can choose the networks with matched resistors for applications like differential amplifiers or voltage dividers.

Final Words

Choosing the perfect resistor pack is not a complex engineering task. With the right knowledge, you will be able to pick the network that aligns with the design you want to create. Consider the following factors while selecting the right resistor pack for your device.