Fixed Resistors: Carbon Film, Metal Film and Carbon Composition

Fixed resistors provide a stable, non-adjustable resistance that sets bias points, limits current and divides voltage throughout nearly every electronic circuit. As a dedicated electronic components distributor, ADD Components sources through-hole carbon film, metal film and carbon composition fixed resistors in E12, E24 and E96 preferred value series, with tolerances from 0.5% to 5% and power ratings from 0.125 W to 2 W. We stock and source production quantities from Vishay, Yageo and KOA Speer, supplying buyers across Asia and worldwide at competitive wholesale pricing.

Product Types / Variants

Carbon Film Resistors

Carbon film resistors are formed by depositing a thin carbon layer onto a ceramic core and cutting a helical groove to trim the resistance to value. They offer low noise, good stability and dependable performance at a very low unit cost, making them the standard choice for general-purpose through-hole applications such as consumer electronics, power supplies, signal conditioning and LED lighting. Typical tolerance is 5% on the E24 series, with 1% versions widely available. KOA's CFR series, Yageo's CFR series and Vishay's CFR01 and CCF07 families are the carbon film workhorses we most frequently supply.

Metal Film Resistors

Metal film resistors use a sputtered nickel-chromium alloy film to deliver superior temperature stability, lower noise and tighter tolerance than carbon film. They are preferred in precision analogue circuits, instrumentation, audio and measurement equipment where resistance drift must be kept to a minimum. Tolerances of 1% and 0.5% on the E96 series are standard, with temperature coefficients as low as 50 ppm/C. Vishay MRS25, Yageo MFR and KOA MFS metal film series rank among the most requested precision resistor lines in our catalogue.

Carbon Composition Resistors

Carbon composition resistors are moulded from a solid mixture of carbon granules and a ceramic binder, giving them high pulse withstand capability and low inductance. Although largely superseded by film types for everyday use, they remain essential in RF, surge and high-energy pulse applications where their solid body tolerates transient overloads that would damage thin-film parts. KOA's RC series is a widely used carbon composition option that we source for legacy designs, RF circuits and specialist power electronics.

Preferred Value Series: E12, E24 and E96

Standard fixed resistor values follow the IEC preferred number series. The E12 series offers 12 values per decade and suits 10% tolerance parts; the E24 series provides 24 values per decade for 5% parts; and the E96 series gives 96 values per decade for 1% and 0.5% precision parts. Specifying a preferred value simplifies procurement, shortens lead times and lowers unit cost. ADD Components holds broad coverage across all three series, allowing buyers to consolidate their fixed resistor sourcing with a single electronic components distributor rather than splitting orders across multiple suppliers.

Key Selection Parameters

• Resistance value and preferred series: standard values follow the E12 (10%), E24 (5%) and E96 (1%/0.5%) preferred number series.

• Tolerance: from 0.5% (precision metal film) up to 5% (general-purpose carbon film).

• Power rating: 0.125 W to 2 W, selected with derating for elevated ambient temperature.

• Temperature coefficient: expressed in ppm/C; lower figures indicate better stability, with metal film the best performer.

• Voltage rating and pulse withstand: important for mains and transient-prone circuits.

• Package and lead style: axial through-hole, supplied loose, on tape-and-reel or ammo pack for automated insertion.

Representative Resistors We Source

Send Us Your Resistor Requirements

Whether you need a full reel of 0.25 W carbon film resistors or precision 0.5% metal film parts in the E96 series, ADD Components can supply the exact fixed resistors your design requires. Tell us the series, resistance value, tolerance, power rating and target quantity, and our procurement team will respond with pricing, availability and lead time. We support production volumes, scheduled deliveries and wholesale requirements for distributors and OEMs alike.

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