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How to Read Resistor Color Codes
Resistor color codes use a standardized system of colored bands to indicate resistance value and tolerance.
4-Band Resistors
- 1st Band: First digit
- 2nd Band: Second digit
- 3rd Band: Multiplier
- 4th Band: Tolerance
5-Band Resistors
- 1st Band: First digit
- 2nd Band: Second digit
- 3rd Band: Third digit
- 4th Band: Multiplier
- 5th Band: Tolerance
6-Band Resistors
- 1st-3rd Bands: Three digits
- 4th Band: Multiplier
- 5th Band: Tolerance
- 6th Band: Temperature coefficient
Common Examples
| Color Bands | Value | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Brown-Black-Red-Gold | 1kΩ | ±5% |
| Red-Red-Orange-Gold | 22kΩ | ±5% |
| Orange-Orange-Brown-Gold | 330Ω | ±5% |
Understanding Inductor Color Codes
Inductors use color bands to indicate their inductance value and tolerance, similar to resistors but with some key differences.
3-Band Inductors
Most common type for basic inductors:
- 1st Band: First significant digit
- 2nd Band: Second significant digit
- 3rd Band: Multiplier
4-Band Inductors
For more precise specifications:
- 1st Band: First significant digit
- 2nd Band: Second significant digit
- 3rd Band: Multiplier
- 4th Band: Tolerance
Typical Values and Applications
RF Applications
1µH - 100µH
- Wireless devices
- RF filters
- Antenna matching
Power Applications
100µH - 1mH
- Switch-mode power supplies
- DC-DC converters
- Power filters
Audio Applications
1mH - 10mH
- Crossover networks
- Audio filters
- Signal processing
Mastering Ohm's Law
Ohm's Law is fundamental to understanding electrical circuits and their behavior.
Basic Formulas
- V = I × R (Voltage = Current × Resistance)
- I = V ÷ R (Current = Voltage ÷ Resistance)
- R = V ÷ I (Resistance = Voltage ÷ Current)
Power Calculations
- P = V × I (Power = Voltage × Current)
- P = I² × R (Power = Current² × Resistance)
- P = V² ÷ R (Power = Voltage² ÷ Resistance)
Practical Applications
Circuit Design
- Component selection
- Power requirements
- Voltage dividers
Troubleshooting
- Voltage measurements
- Current testing
- Power consumption
Safety Calculations
- Maximum ratings
- Heat dissipation
- Component protection
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