Resistor Physical Structure
Description
This MicroSim displays a large, labeled cross-section of a carbon-film resistor. As you move the resistance slider, the four EIA color bands update in real time to reflect the correct standard color code. Hover labels identify each physical part: wire leads, the ceramic core body, the resistive carbon film, the color bands, and the lacquer protective coating.
Key Concepts
- A carbon-film resistor is made by depositing a resistive carbon layer on a ceramic cylinder.
- The EIA 4-band color code encodes a 2-digit significand, a decimal multiplier, and a tolerance band.
- Color digit order: Black=0, Brown=1, Red=2, Orange=3, Yellow=4, Green=5, Blue=6, Violet=7, Gray=8, White=9.
- A Gold tolerance band indicates ±5%; Silver indicates ±10%.
- Physical resistors have both a resistance value and a power rating (determined by physical size).