Zero Ohm Resistors

Mark Frauenfelder innocently (or cleverly) asks the question “What are zero ohm resistors for?”  on BoingBoing. The fun really starts in the comments section, with replies such as “They’re a novelty gift for electronic engineers.”

Take a look at the article here.

Yes, zero ohm resistors really do exist. Think of them as jumpers on a PC board.

73, Bob K0NR

Bob Witte, KØNR, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Colorado, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

3 Responses to “Zero Ohm Resistors”

  • I remember when Digikey first offered them 25 years ago or so. I thought it was kind of goofy at the time, but it was touted for designs where a resistor maybe changed for various values and a 0 ohm resistor would be an option. Though you have to wonder why a designer would pick something that costs more that a piece of wire for 0 ohms. File this in the same category as bottled water.

  • Glenn DJ0IQ and W9IQ:

    Anthony has the concept right but not the context. Think about automated assembly populating 100’s to 1000’s of parts per minute on a PCB line. To be able to handle zero ohm parts in a standard form factor is valuable.

    – Glenn DJ0IQ and W9IQ

  • Tom. Kb3hg:

    As for some of the German reps that I have meet, the stock answer would be “To confuse the Russians.”

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