Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video I discuss the inductance of modern leaded resistors - in particular the metal film resistors.
These resistors are widely used and perform well, having high accuracy and stability as well as low noise, and they are also really low cost.
The reason for the inductance is that the resistors are manufactured by depositing a thin metallic film onto a ceramic cylinder,. A helical cut is made into the metal film to extend its length and narrow its width - increasing the length and narrowing the width will increase the resistance. The cut ensures that the resistor is of the right ohmic value.
This helical cut effectively makes a coil and introduces inductance. This may not have an effect in most instances, but for some critical circuits, especially RF designs and those that have fast edges and high clock speeds, may be upset by the inductance.
Although the levels of inductance are not high - it is worth remembering this when using these resistors and wanting to make sure everything works correctly.
More information and about metal film resistors:
electronics-notes.com/articles/electronic_components/resistors/metal-film-resistor.php
Visit my online shop: electronics-notes-shop.fourthwall.com
Visit my homepage: electronics-notes.com
Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel: youtube.com/electronicsnotes?sub_confirmation=1
In this video I discuss the inductance of modern leaded resistors - in particular the metal film resistors.
These resistors are widely used and perform well, having high accuracy and stability as well as low noise, and they are also really low cost.
The reason for the inductance is that the resistors are manufactured by depositing a thin metallic film onto a ceramic cylinder,. A helical cut is made into the metal film to extend its length and narrow its width - increasing the length and narrowing the width will increase the resistance. The cut ensures that the resistor is of the right ohmic value.
This helical cut effectively makes a coil and introduces inductance. This may not have an effect in most instances, but for some critical circuits, especially RF designs and those that have fast edges and high clock speeds, may be upset by the inductance.
Although the levels of inductance are not high - it is worth remembering this when using these resistors and wanting to make sure everything works correctly.
More information and about metal film resistors:
electronics-notes.com/articles/electronic_components/resistors/metal-film-resistor.php
Visit my online shop: electronics-notes-shop.fourthwall.com
Visit my homepage: electronics-notes.com
Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel: youtube.com/electronicsnotes?sub_confirmation=1
