Q: What materials are used in a through-hole resistor?

A: Resistors can be composed of a variety of materials. Most modern, commonly used through-hole resistors have a wirewound or film construction. A wirewound resistor has a length of resistive wire that is wound around a supporting element from one end to the other. Most film resistors are composed of a carbon, metal, or metal-oxide film. In these resistors, a thin film of conductive material is deposited onto the ceramic element and a helix is cut from one end of the element to the other. It is then covered by an insulating material.

 

Q:What is the through-hole resistor color code?

A: The color code marking for axial leaded resistors is used for most resistors up to one watt. Each color represents a different number and can be looked up by referencing a color code chart. Bands determine resistance value, the multiplying fact, and tolerance.