SMD Resistor

SMD resistor is a passive electrical component that implements electrical resistance. An SMD is any electronic component that is made to use with Surface Mount Technology (SMT). SMT was developed to meet the ongoing demand for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers to use smaller components that are faster, more efficient, and cheaper. SMDs are smaller than through-hole resistors and instead of having wire leads that go through PCB, they have terminations that are soldered to pads on the surface of the board. This eliminates the need for holes in the board and allows both sides of the board to be used more fully.

SMD resistors are available in two types: flat and cylindrical (MELF).

Flat resistors are rectangular with metallized ends. The case type is determined by the dimensions and the maximum power depends on this size. Two systems are used to code the case and its dimensions. The code, dimensions and power are given in Table 1 in the imperial system and in the metric system in Table 2.

Table 1. Imperial code system

Table 2. Metric code system

Cylindrical resistors with metallized ends - MELF (Metal Electrode Leadless Face).

The code, dimensions and power are given in Table 3.

Table 3. MELF resistors codes

Learn more about EIA-96 SMD resistor code.

To determine the value of a SMD resistor by the markings found on the device please use our online SMD Resistor Code Calculator.