Types of Ceramic Resistors: Composition, Tubular & Slab

Ceramic Composition Resistors

Ceramic composition resistors are composed of a resistive ceramic material such as ruthenium oxide or chromium dioxide. They offer high stability, low noise, and excellent temperature coefficient characteristics and are suitable for precision applications requiring tight tolerance and low temperature drift. Ceramic composition resistors are widely used in instrumentation, medical devices, and precision measurement equipment.

(Ceramic composition resistors, made from advanced resistive ceramic materials like ruthenium oxide, are engineered for high precision applications. Their key characteristics are exceptionally low noise and minimal temperature drift, allowing them to maintain a very stable resistance value. Because of this, they're the ideal choice for sensitive equipment where tight tolerances and accuracy are critical, such as in medical devices and precision instrumentation. )

Axial Ceramic Resistors

Non-inductive, high voltage, high-energy, high power axial-leaded resistors providing excellent performance where high peak power or high-energy pulses must be handled in a small size

As alternatives to hard-to-find carbon composition resistors, non-inductive high power axial-leaded resistors can be used as drop-in replacements for 1 and 2-watt sizes. Much larger sizes, up to 70 watts in a single component, are available for new or re-designs where an array of smaller resistors have been previously required.

(These axial-leaded resistors are engineered to handle immense high energy pulses and high peak power within a small footprint. Their non-inductive construction ensures clean performance, making them ideal for space constrained, high stress applications. They also serve as a modern alternative to older, hard to find carbon composition resistors and can be used as direct drop-in replacements for common 1 and 2 watt sizes. For new projects, much larger versions up to 70 watts in a single component are available, allowing one resistor to replace an entire array of smaller ones.)

Tubular Ceramic Resistors

Non-inductive, high voltage, high power tubular resistors are available in a wide range of standard sizes, ceramic materials terminations and mounting hardware. Bulk construction advantageously produces an inherently non-inductive resistor; and it allows energy and power to be uniformly distributed through the entire ceramic resistor body – there is no film or wire to fail. 

(These tubular resistors get their exceptional performance from their bulk construction. Unlike other types, the entire ceramic body is the resistive element, meaning there is no fragile film or wire that can fail during a power surge. This solid design allows energy to be distributed uniformly, making the resistor naturally non-inductive and capable of handling immense high voltage and high power. They're available with a wide variety of sizes, terminations, and mounting hardware to fit specific design needs.)

Slab Ceramic Resistors

Ceramic Slab Resistors provide high power and energy dissipation in a compact size.Non-inductive, high power slab resistors are available in a few different materials that can be used for high power, high voltage, high energy, and/or high resistance pulse applications. 

(Slab resistors are defined by their flat, low profile shape, which allows for excellent power dissipation in a compact footprint. This versatile platform is engineered with different ceramic materials to meet very specific challenges. Depending on the formulation, these non-inductive resistors can be optimized to handle intense high energy pulses, withstand extreme high voltages, or provide very high resistance values, all within the same slab geometry.)  

Solid Disk and Washer Resistors

Ohmite's Solid Disk and Washer Resistors are crafted from a durable ceramic composition, specifically engineered to handle immense, sudden bursts of high energy and high voltage. Their solid, non-inductive design allows them to safely absorb and dissipate surges that would destroy other component types. This makes them essential for protecting circuits and managing energy in demanding fields, including industrial motor drives, high-power medical equipment, and transportation braking systems.

High Voltage Ceramic Resistors

Many ceramic resistors are designed to withstand high voltage levels without breakdown or arcing. They utilize specialized ceramic formulations and construction techniques to provide insulation and reliability in high voltage environments. Ceramic resistors can be used in high voltage power supplies, electronic ballasts, X-ray equipment, and medical imaging devices.

(Certain ceramic resistors are engineered to tame extreme high voltage, preventing catastrophic arcing and failure. Through advanced ceramic formulations and specialized construction, they provide unwavering performance in high stress environments. You'll find them at the heart of demanding equipment like X-ray machines, medical imaging devices, and industrial power supplies. This inherent ability to be tailored for either pinpoint control or raw power handling makes ceramic resistors a cornerstone of modern electronic design.)

Buit to Last. Built to Lead

From delicate instrumentation to heavy machinery, the right ceramic resistor is waiting for your design. Your search for the perfect balance of performance and power handling ends here.

Let our experts help you specify the ideal component, so you can get back to what you do best: designing incredible things.