High-Frequency Resistor Resistors
Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
High-frequency resistors are specialized components designed to operate effectively at high frequencies, typically in the range of MHz to GHz. These resistors are engineered to minimize parasitic inductance and capacitance, which can significantly affect performance at high frequencies. They are often constructed using materials and techniques that ensure stability, precision, and low noise, making them suitable for high-frequency applications.
Working Principle
The working principle of high-frequency resistors involves the same basic concept as other resistors: they limit the flow of electrical current by providing resistance. However, at high frequencies, additional factors such as parasitic inductance and capacitance come into play. These resistors are designed to minimize these parasitic effects through careful selection of materials and construction techniques. For example, metal foil resistors are often used because they offer low inductance and capacitance, ensuring that the resistor's performance remains stable even at high frequencies.
Applications
High-frequency resistors are used in a variety of applications where stable and precise resistance is required at high frequencies. These include RF and microwave circuits, high-speed digital circuits, and communication systems. They are also used in test and measurement equipment, where accurate high-frequency performance is crucial. Additionally, they find applications in medical devices, aerospace, and military systems, where reliability and precision are paramount.
Advantages over other Resistors
High-frequency resistors offer several advantages over other types of resistors. They are designed to minimize parasitic inductance and capacitance, which can degrade performance at high frequencies. This makes them more suitable for high-frequency applications compared to wirewound or thick film resistors, which can exhibit significant parasitic effects. High-frequency resistors also tend to have better stability and precision, ensuring consistent performance over a wide range of operating conditions. For example, metal foil resistors are known for their high stability, non-inductance, low capacitance, and low noise characteristics.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, high-frequency resistors also have some limitations. They can be more expensive than other types of resistors due to the specialized materials and manufacturing processes required. Additionally, while they are designed to minimize parasitic effects, they are not entirely immune to them, and their performance can still be affected by extreme conditions or improper circuit design. Furthermore, high-frequency resistors may not be suitable for applications requiring high power dissipation, as their primary focus is on maintaining performance at high frequencies rather than handling high power levels.
Considerations
When selecting high-frequency resistors, several factors need to be considered to ensure optimal performance. The necessary precision of the resistance should be set by the manufacturing tolerance of the selected resistor, in accordance with unique application requirements. The maximum power rating of the resistor must be higher than the predicted power dissipation in the circuit. Additionally, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) may be an important factor if the application calls for high precision, as the TCR indicates the relative change of the resistor's value with temperature changes. Proper circuit design is also crucial to mitigate any remaining parasitic effects and ensure stable performance.
from DigiKey
BDS A 1000W 100R 10% [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Box
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 50R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 50
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
BDS A 1000W 10R 10% [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Box
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 500R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 500
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
BDS A 2000W 100R 10% [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Box
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 1K [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 1000
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
3 Ohms ±5% 200W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 100R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 100
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
SOT-227 600W 50 OHM [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2, miniBLOC
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 10R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 5
from DigiKey
180 Ohms ±5% 120W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 10R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 5
from DigiKey
RF RES 50 OHM DC-3GHZ 250W 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Tab Terminals; Flat Box, Terminator
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 250R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 2
from DigiKey
100 Ohms ±10% 100W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 250R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 2
from DigiKey
100 kOhms ±5% 100W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 330R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 2
from DigiKey
100 kOhms ±10% 250W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Box
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 330R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 2
from DigiKey
2.2 Ohms ±10% 250W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Box
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 500R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 5
from DigiKey
16 Ohms ±5% 400W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Box
from RS Components, Ltd.
Thin Film high frequency 02016 500R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 2016
- Technology / Construction: Thin Film (Chip); Thin Film
- Tolerance: 5
from DigiKey
100 Ohms ±5% 10W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Tab Terminals; Axial
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402E50 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 50R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 50
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
100 Ohms ±5% 120W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 500R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 500
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
100 Ohms ±10% 600W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 1K [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 1000
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
150 Ohms ±10% 600W Thick Film Chassis Mount Resistor [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: SOT-227-2
from RS Components, Ltd.
FC0402 SMT High Frequency 50mW 1% 100R [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Resistance Range: 100
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 01005; 0402; 0402 (1005M)
- Tolerance: 1
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±10% 1W Chip Resistor 0502 (1406 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0502
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±2% 0.25W, 1/4W Chip Resistor 0201 (0603 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0201; 0201
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±1% 1W Chip Resistor 0505 (1313 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0505
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±5% 0.5W, 1/2W Chip Resistor 0302 (0805 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0302
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±5% 0.5W, 1/2W Chip Resistor 0503 (1308 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0503
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±5% 1W Chip Resistor 0505 (1313 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0505
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±5% 0.5W, 1/2W Chip Resistor 0402 (1005 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0402; 0402
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±2% 2W Chip Resistor 0505 (1313 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0505
from DigiKey
50 Ohms ±2% 1.25W Chip Resistor 0505 (1313 Metric) RF, High Frequency Thick Film [See More]
- Category / Application: General Use; High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: 0505
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 5 GHz. 50 Ω. 10 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Terminals: Au/Sn Solder over Gold. Solder Attach. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from EBG RESISTORS LLC
Series LXP 100 TO-247. Power Resistors. 100 W Thick Film Power Resistor for high-frequency and pulse-loading applications, version B for enforced mechanical stability. EBG offers the completely encapsulated and insulated TO-220 package for low ohmic value and Non-Inductive Design for high-frequency... [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Power Applications; Power Supplies, High-frequency and Pulse-loading Applications
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: ThroughHole; Radial Leads; TO-247
from Ohmite Manufacturing Co.
600 Watt SOT-227. The Ohmite TGH600 series uses new materials and technology to achieve high levels of wattage in a small SOT-227 package. Changes in the thick film process allow new materials to be used to create an extremely effecient product. Proper liquid cooling is required to obtain the full... [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Pulse Load Applications
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Screw Terminals; SOT227
from Trigon Components, Inc.
SERIES. RCRL. DESCRIPTION. Low Ohmic Chip. RESISTANCE RANGE. 0.102 ohm to 0.976 ohm. POWER RATING. 1/16 to 1W. OPERATING TEMPERATURE. -55 to +155 Deg C. PACKAGE. SMD 0402 to 2512. FEATURE. •Low Inductance. •Highly Reliable Multilayer Electrode Construction. •Higher Component and... [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Mounting / Packaging: Surface Mount Technology (SMT / SMD); 0402; 0603; 0805; 1206; 1625; 1812; 2010; 2512
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 0.1020 to 0.9760
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 20 GHz. 50 Ω. 10 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Terminals: Au/Sn Solder over Gold. Solder Attach. Tolerance 2% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from EBG RESISTORS LLC
Due to a non inductive design these elements are ideally suited for high frequency and pulse load applications. By direct mounting on a heatsink significant cost advantages can be realized. The type HXP can be supplied in a 2-terminal or 4-terminal version. Even double resistors are available. Main... [See More]
- Category / Application: Automotive; Aerospace; High Frequency; Power Applications
- Technology / Construction: MetalOxide
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: Bolt-on Chassis; Screw Terminals
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 17 GHz. 50 Ω. 10 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Terminals: Au/Sn Solder over Gold. Solder Attach. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from EBG RESISTORS LLC
EBG offers the totally encapsulated and insulated TO-220 package for low ohmic value and non-inductive design for high frequency and pulsing applications. Ideal use is for power supplies. This series is rated at 18 Watts mounted to a heat sink. [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Pulsing applications
- Technology / Construction: MetalOxide; Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: ThroughHole; Radial Leads
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 17 GHz. 50 Ω. 10 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Terminals: Palladium Silver. Solder Attach. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from EBG RESISTORS LLC
EBG offers the totally encapsulated and insulated TO-220 package for low ohmic value and non-inductive design for high frequency and pulsing applications. Ideal use is for power supplies. This series is rated at 20 Watts mounted to a snap-on style heat sink. [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Pulsing applications
- Technology / Construction: MetalOxide; Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: ThroughHole; Radial Leads
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 16 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Terminals: SN62 Solder. Solder Attach. Tolerance 1% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from EBG RESISTORS LLC
35 Watt Thick Film Power Resistors for High Frequency and Pulse Loading Applications [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: ThroughHole; Radial Leads
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 18 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive. Termianls: Tin Lead over Nickel. Solder Attach. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from EBG RESISTORS LLC
EBG offers the SSP series to meet the requirements of power ratings up to 40 Watts while at the same time offering voltage ratings up to 6,000 Volts. These Power Film Resistors cover a wide resistance range and operation up to 275 °C in axial lead construction. [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Power Applications
- Technology / Construction: MetalOxide
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Mounting / Packaging: ThroughHole; Axial Leads
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 18 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive. Termianls: Gold. Epoxy Attach. Wire Bondable. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 18 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive. Termianls: Tin Lead over Nickel. Solder Mount. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 16 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Termianls: Tin Lead over Nickel. Solder Mount. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 16 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Termianls: Palladium Silver. Solder Mount. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 16 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Termianls: Gold. Epoxy Mount. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 5 GHz. 50 Ω. 15 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Termianls: Gold. Epoxy Attach. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50
from Anaren, Inc.
Features: RF Performance up to 12 GHz. 50 Ω. 20 mil 96 % Alumina. Non-Nichrome Resistive Element. Termianls: Gold Plate over Nickel. Epoxy Mount. Wire Bondable. Tolerance 5% [See More]
- Category / Application: High Frequency; Mil/Instrumentation Resistive Products
- Technology / Construction: Thick Film (Chip)
- Configuration: Single Resistor
- Resistance Range: 50