Information about Shunt Resistors

Shunt 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, and can be used to accomplish a reduction in input sensitivity from the input line to ground. Current shunt resistors are low resistance, passive electronic devices used to measure alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) by the voltage drop those currents create across the resistance. Electrical specifications for shunt resistors include ohms, resistance tolerance, current rating, power rating, temperature coefficient of resistance, and power coefficient of resistance. Ohms (O) measure a material’s opposition to the flow of electricity in a circuit. Temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) refers to the change in resistance with change in temperature. Power coefficient of resistance (PCR) is the temperature rise caused by self-heating. For current-sensing shunts, resistances typically range from 100 µO to 500 mO. Low TCR and PCR are important. For shunt resistors used in current conversion applications, high precision may be required.

Chip Resistors

Chip resistors are passive resistors with a form factor of an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Typically, they are manufactured using thin-film technology.

Current Sensing Resistors

Current sensing resistors convert the current flowing through it to a voltage drop. Monitoring or measuring this voltage drop allows the current through the resistor to be measured. Applications for current sensing resistors include power supplies, receptacles, and battery packs.

Digital Potentiometers

Digital potentiometers are three-terminal resistors with an adjustable center connection. To set the output resistance, a digital signal is sent through an electrical interface.

Power Resistors

Power resistors are used in power generation and distribution, high-voltage applications, control systems, and other power system applications. They include load banks, grounding resistors, and dynamic braking resistors.

Resistor, Capacitor Networks

Resistor, capacitor networks (RC networks) are integrated circuits (ICs) that contain resistor-capacitor arrays in a single chip.

Resistors

Resistors are electrical components that oppose the flow of either direct or alternating current. They are used to protect, operate, or control circuits.

Resistors and Potentiometers

Resistors and potentiometers are passive electronic components that oppose the flow of either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).