Resistor arrays – find manufacturers and suppliers

Resistor arrays are components that combine several individual resistors in a common housing.

Instead of placing many individual resistors separately, they are grouped together to save space, time and costs.

Below you will find an overview of how they work, their structure and types, the different designs and technical properties of resistor arrays, as well as an overview of their areas of application and their advantages and disadvantages:

How resistor arrays work:

In principle, a resistor array works no differently than individual resistors: each resistor in the network limits the current and divides voltages according to Ohm's law.

The special feature lies in the circuit structure inside:

Several isolated resistors can be contained in one component.
Or they are internally interconnected, e.g. as a common pin network in which all resistors share a common connection.
More complex networks can also contain specialized arrangements such as voltage dividers or termination networks.

The resistor values are fixed and are set during production. They are normally designed for the same values in a network to guarantee identical behavior across all channels.

Structure and types of resistor arrays:

In the housing, the individual resistors are either manufactured using layer technology such as metal layer or thick film or as a film on ceramic substrates.
This allows very uniform values and good thermal coupling, which makes the temperature coefficient more similar.

A rough distinction is made between

1. Networks with separate, independent resistors
2. Networks with a common connection, e.g. pull-up networks with a common positive pole.
3. Special circuits such as resistor arrays in R-2R networks for digital-to-analog converters.

Different types of resistor arrays:

There are many forms of resistor arrays, for example:

1. SIP (Single Inline Package) with a series pin layout for THT mounting.
2. DIP (Dual Inline Package) with two rows of pins.
3. SMD resistor arrays with multiple pads on a tiny chip for automated surface mounting.
4. Customized networks with precisely defined circuits and values.

Technical characteristics of resistor arrays:

The most important parameters of resistor arrays are:

1. The individual resistance value e.g. 10 kΩ per resistor.
2. The tolerance often ±2 %, ±1 % or even better.
3. The matching/tracking between the resistors. This is very important for voltage dividers.
4. Temperature coefficient (TCR) - especially for precision applications.
5. Maximum load capacity per resistor. This is usually very small, e.g. 0.063 W to 0.125 W
6. Insulation voltage between the elements. This is important for high voltages, for example

Typical use of resistor arrays:

Resistor arrays are extremely versatile and can be found in many applications. Common uses are:

1.Pull-up and pull-down networks:
To connect multiple logic inputs to a defined voltage.
Instead of many individual pull-up resistors, a common network with a common supply connection is used.

2. Bus termination:
Resistor networks can contain the terminating resistors for data buses (e.g. address or data lines).

3. Voltage divider applications:
In precise analog circuits where the ratio of multiple resistors must be exact.

4. Digital-to-analog converters (R-2R networks):
Specially designed resistor networks form the core of simple DAC circuits.

5. Analog signal processing:
Z.e.g. as part of filters, mixers or summing amplifiers.

6. Matrix circuits:
For building keypads, multiplexers or decoders.

Advantages of resistor arrays:

• Space saving: several resistors in a single component reduce the space required on the circuit board.
• Less assembly work: Fewer components means faster and cheaper assembly, both in THT and SMD.
• Better matching: Resistors in the same network often have very close tolerance differences to each other ("tracking"), ideal for precise pitch ratios.
• Simplified logistics: Instead of storing many individual resistors, one type is sufficient.
• Lower probability of errors: Fewer soldering points, fewer possible sources of error.

Disadvantages of resistor arrays:

• Less flexibility: resistor values are fixed and cannot be varied individually.
• Risk of failure: If a resistor in the network fails, the entire component often has to be replaced.
• Limited power consumption: The individual resistors in the network are usually small and dimensioned for signal applications, not for high power.

Resistor arrays are integrated components that combine several resistors in a single housing. They function electrically like discrete resistors, but take up less space, are cheaper to assemble and often have a more precise ratio of resistance values.
They are used in many areas of electronics, especially in logic pull-ups, bus termination, voltage dividers and digital-to-analog converters. Thanks to their different designs and internal circuitry, they can be adapted in many ways and thus offer an elegant solution for making circuits compact, clear and reliable.

Below is an overview of the most important points that should be considered when purchasing resistor arrays:

Purchasing resistor arrays should ensure that technically suitable, qualitatively reliable and economically viable components are provided for error-free and efficient production.

• The most important point is an exact specification of the desired resistor values. Networks often contain many identical resistors whose value must be specified, e.g. 10 kΩ, 4.7 kΩ etc.
• Equally important is the tolerance ±1 %, ±2 %, ±5 % or tighter. For precision applications, "matching" is also important, i.e. how well the individual resistors in the array are matched to each other.
• When purchasing, you must ensure that the manufacturer guarantees and documents these values.
• Resistor arrays are available in various internal circuits. Some simply have several independent resistors, others share a common pin, e.g. for pull-up or pull-down circuits. When purchasing, it must be clearly defined which type of network is required - an error here makes the component unusable in the intended circuit.
• It must be clarified in advance how many individual resistors are required, e.g. 4, 8 or more per network, and whether the SIP, DIP or SMD housing fits the circuit board mechanically. The pin spacing and layout must also match the PCB, so a data sheet and footprint check are mandatory.
• When purchasing, a distinction must be made between THT (Through Hole Technology) and SMT (Surface Mount Technology). SIP and DIP modules are intended for THT, SMD arrays for automatic assembly. The choice of the right design directly influences the manufacturing process and costs.
• Each individual resistor in the array has a maximum power consumption. This is usually quite low, e.g. 0.063 W to 0.125 W.
• Purchasing must ensure that the arrays meet the thermal requirements of the circuit and are not overloaded.
• For analog circuits or voltage dividers, the temperature behavior is crucial. The temperature coefficient (TCR) should be known and specified. The "tracking" between the resistors in the same network - i.e. how evenly they change with temperature changes - is also important and should be clarified with the supplier.
• The maximum voltage per resistor is limited. In the case of higher voltages or bus termination, care must be taken to ensure that the dielectric strength is sufficiently high. Professional purchasers should check the data sheets carefully.
• For applications with possible overvoltage pulses, e.g. bus lines, the purchasing department must ensure that the networks can withstand the required pulse load. Here it is worth choosing specialized, more robust types.
• Professional purchasing departments prefer manufacturers with reliable quality assurance. Important aspects are: Manufacturer certifications ISO 9001, Automotive AEC-Q200 if applicable, consistent manufacturing and traceable batch tracking.
• Special approvals or standards are mandatory for certain sectors, for example in automotive applications (AEC-Q200), medical technology or aviation.
• The purchasing department must ensure that the selected component meets these requirements and that the relevant certificates are available.
• Resistor networks are available in different forms of packaging:
• Taped for automatic assembly
• Tubular for manual assembly or bulk goods.
• Purchasing must ensure that the type of packaging selected is suitable for the production line and does not cause unnecessary costs or errors.
• Purchasers must also check long-term availability. If the component is discontinued, this can lead to expensive redesigns. Suppliers with stable production and long-term availability should therefore be selected and - where possible - second-source alternatives should be evaluated.
• Professional purchasing not only calculates the pure unit price, but also: assembly costs, storage costs, risk of failure due to incorrect or fluctuating quality and follow-up costs in the event of changes.
• Resistor networks can be more expensive to purchase than individual resistors, but often save assembly time and space on the circuit board, which reduces overall costs.

When purchasing resistor arrays professionally, it is important to consider much more than just the resistor value and price. Electrical parameters (value, tolerance, load capacity, voltage and temperature behavior), mechanical requirements (design, pinout), quality characteristics (matching, standards, manufacturer certifications), logistical factors (packaging, availability) and the total life cycle costs are decisive. Only a careful, coordinated selection ensures that the component can be used reliably, economically and without production problems.

Resistor arrays can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Resistor arrays from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.