What are resistor networks and arrays?

Resistor networks refer to multiple resistors configured together in a combination of specialised patterns. They are primarily used in electronic circuits to resist the electric current from flowing, thus ensuring safe currents across devices. 

Resistor arrays, similarly, are specially designed resistor devices which are used in electrical circuits to resist the flow of electric current up to a specific value. In a resistor array, the resistance value cannot be changed. 

Together, both resistor networks and arrays are capable of preventing electrical circuits from damage caused by short circuits.

Types of resistor networks & arrays

Resistor networks and arrays are available in a wide range of varieties, varying in their tolerance, resistance levels, and maximum working voltage. The most common ones include:

• Single row pins: These types of network resistors and arrays remain isolated and act as individual resistors. Each of the resistors usually has two common pins.
• Dual row pins: These types of network resistors and arrays are also isolated resistors, much like the single row pins. But unlike them, there are two adjacent pins on each resistor.

Applications

Resistor networks and arrays are most widely used in applications where more than one powerful resistor is required. Thus, they are commonly used in applications like:

• Consumer electronics 
• Home appliances
• Computers and smart devices
• Power supplies
• Analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters