Through Hole Resistors

The MF0207FRE52-220K is one type of through-hole resistors. As its name suggests, through-hole resistors have their leads go through holes in the circuit board. It can be mounted in any orientation, as they do not rely on the surface of a transport board for adhesion. Through-hole resistors are also easier to mechanically attach to the circuit board.

Application Field

The application field of through hole resistors includes high density circuit designs, induction heating, inverters, high wattage power supplies, lightning protection, and automotive electronics; among others. This is due, in part, to their wide range of resistance values, temperatures co-efficients and tolerances. They are also used in more mundane applications such as light dimming in the home.

Working Principle

The MF0207FRE52-220K resistor works by connecting two terminals at a given distance and voltage. This distance can be varied depending on the size of the resistor. The larger the resistor, the greater the distance.These resistors are made from a special type of resistive material. When current passes through the resistor, the material causes electrical resistance, which forces a voltage drop across the contacts. The resistor will convert electrical energy into heat energy, resulting in a rise in temperature of the resistor.

Advantages

There are several advantages to using through-hole resistors. Some of the advantages include: a large temperature coefficient range, a wide range of resistance values, reliable performance, easy installation, and low cost. In addition, through-hole resistors are also relatively fast and easy to change out should interruptions or power outages occur.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of through-hole resistors is the lack of space on the board. For many devices, through-hole resistors occupy a large amount of space, reducing the amount of real estate that can be used for other components. Additionally, due to the resistor’s bulky profile, proper ventilation should be taken into consideration when mounting it. In some cases, fine pitch components can be difficult to solder as well.

Conclusion

Through hole resistors remain a popular pick among professional engineers for various applications, ranging from high wattage power supplies to simple light dimming. While there are several advantages to using these resistors, there are also a few drawbacks that engineers should take into consideration when designing their circuits.