Description

A 390 Ohm 1/4W 5% Through Hole Resistor is a specific type of resistor with the following characteristics:

Resistance Value (390 Ohms):

This resistor has a resistance of 390 ohms, which provides moderate opposition to the flow of electrical current. It's commonly used in circuits where current needs to be limited or controlled, in voltage divider applications, or for impedance matching. A 390-ohm resistor is typically used in low- to medium-power applications such as current limiting in LED circuits, voltage regulation, and signal conditioning.

Power Rating (1/4W):

The 1/4 watt (0.25W) power rating means the resistor can safely dissipate up to 0.25 watts of heat without being damaged. This power rating is suitable for low-power applications where the current through the resistor is not high enough to generate excessive heat. The 1/4W rating ensures that the resistor operates safely under normal conditions, without overheating.

Tolerance (5%):

The 5% tolerance means that the actual resistance value could vary by ±5% from the nominal value of 390 ohms. Therefore, the actual resistance could range from 370.5 ohms to 409.5 ohms. This tolerance is typical for general-purpose resistors and is generally acceptable for most circuit applications where exact precision is not critical, offering a good balance between cost and accuracy.

Through-Hole Mounting:

This resistor is designed for through-hole mounting, which means it has leads that pass through holes in a printed circuit board (PCB) and are soldered on the opposite side. Through-hole components provide a strong, durable connection and are commonly used in both prototyping and final circuit designs. This mounting style is particularly useful in situations where components may need to be replaced, repaired, or modified.

Applications:

• Current Limiting: A 390-ohm resistor is commonly used in series with components like LEDs to limit the current flowing through them, ensuring that components are not damaged by excessive current.
• Voltage Division: It can be used in voltage divider circuits to reduce an input voltage into smaller, manageable voltage levels that can be used by other parts of the circuit.
• Impedance Matching: In audio, RF (radio frequency), or communication circuits, a 390-ohm resistor can be used for impedance matching, helping to ensure efficient signal transfer and minimize reflections.
• Power Regulation: The resistor can also be used in power regulation circuits to control the flow of current or voltage, helping to stabilize the operation of other components in the system.

Summary:

The 390 Ohm 1/4W 5% Through Hole Resistor is a versatile, general-purpose resistor used in a variety of applications, including current limiting, voltage division, impedance matching, and power regulation. With a 1/4W power rating, it is ideal for low-power circuits, while the 5% tolerance ensures acceptable accuracy for most general-purpose designs. The through-hole mounting ensures reliable and durable connections, making it suitable for both prototyping and finalized designs where component stability and ease of replacement or modification are important.