3-port resistor

[g114]

Hello all,

Hope this is the right forum for this question. I have a resistor with one input terminal and two output terminals. At first glance, I thought the device is a power splitter (or combiner), but it is not characterized as one. So, what type applications would a three terminal resistor be used to terminate a line, if any?

Thanks

g114

 

[IRstuff]

Maybe it's just a way of simplifying a T-network

TTFN

 

[Warpspeed]

Is it by any chance a platinum RTD sensor(resistor) ?

These are used to very accurately measure temperature, and the third (Kelvin) connection is used to compensate for the resistance of the wiring between resistor and temperature measurement circuit.

It may not actually be a platinum RTD, but that would be my first guess, from what you heave described

 

[itsmoked]

Dang warp!! That was exactly what I thought when I read the OP but twisted it into some current sense resistor with one kelvin lead or something.. But completely failed to think it might be an RTD. Nice idea man.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[IRstuff]

An RTD would have two terminals with no resistance between them though, so ohming it would settle that issue.

TTFN

 

[nbucska]

The terminals of a resistor are interchangeable -- there is
no dedicated input or output terminal.

I suspect this is a wirewound power resistor with an
adjustable tap; the two ends are two of the terminals and the third is a clamp.


Plesae read FAQ240-1032
WEB: <

http://geocities.com/nbucska/>

 

[g114]

It is a 50ohm surface mount thin film resistor.

Thanks to all that responded!

 

[itsmoked]

Hey nbucska... good point. Could be one of these?

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[sreid]

A good way to terminate a differential line is to split the termination resistor value and tie the center point to a capacitor for common mode rejection. Maybe someone is making a three terminal resistor for this purpose.

 

[ScottyUK]

The terminals of a resistor are interchangeable

Sometimes! High power current sensing resistors with a Kelvin connection are not interchangeable - the power terminals are designed to carry full load current, while the sensing terminals are typically rated for far less current. Getting it wrong lets the smoke out.


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I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy it...