Resistors

Resistors are among the most fundamental and widely used components in electronic circuits. They play a key role in controlling current flow and are central to Ohm’s Law, which relates voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) through the equation: V = IR.

A resistor provides a specific, fixed resistance to the flow of electric current, thereby reducing or regulating current within a circuit. In addition to current limiting, resistors are used for voltage division, biasing active components, and signal conditioning.

Resistors are categorized into two main types:

Fixed Resistors – These have a set resistance value that does not change. They are available in a wide range of resistance values, power ratings, and tolerances.

Variable Resistors – These allow manual adjustment of resistance and include devices such as potentiometers and rheostats. These are typically categorized separately.

Resistor values are measured in ohms (Ω), and the resistor’s material and construction—such as carbon, metal film, metal oxide, or wirewound—determine its electrical properties. Mounting styles include through-hole and surface mount, the two most common packaging formats.

IBS Electronics is a trusted distributor of resistors from leading manufacturers including Bourns, KOA Speer, Ohmite, Panasonic, SEI Stackpole, TE Connectivity, Vishay, Yageo, and more. Our product offering includes a wide range of resistor types such as:

Carbon composition and film

Ceramic and wirewound

Metal film, metal oxide, and metal foil

Chassis mount and current sense resistors

We also supply resistor networks, resistor kits, and various resistor mounting accessories, available in both through-hole and surface-mount configurations.