Resistors and potentiometers are passive electronic components that oppose the flow of either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Fixed resistors have a fixed resistance value. Variable resistors have a resistance value that can be adjusted or changed by the user. For both types of resistors and potentiometers, device types include attenuator, chip, and shunt resistors, as well as load banks and voltage dividers. Attenuator resistors reduce the power of a signal by a determined factor without distortion. Chip resistors are passive devices with a form factor of an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Shunts resistors are connected in parallel with an instrument or component to divert electrical current. They provide an alternate path for current in case of failure. Load banks are fixed and variable resistors that provide resistive electrical loads for testing purposes. Similarly, voltage dividers produce highly-accurate reference voltages for both calibration and testing. Potentiometers, trimmers and rheostats are additional device types for variable resistors.
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