Resistor Arrays

Hey there,

Will using Resistor Arrays (especially that one of the chip DIP ones) actually simplify my breadboard/PCB projects? 'Cause I'll be using those 7-seg displays and a collection of LEDs.

Hi littletransistor,

using resistor arrays as current limiters for LED displays won't save any pin, because each resistor must be connected individually between the driver output and the segment to control. Of course an array will save some space, but the required space can be made the same sticking the single resistors vertically onto the board.

Arrays do make a lot of sense if one pin (common) is used to connect to VSS/ground and 8 are used to connect to logic inputs. In that case 8 resistors require 9 pins, whereas single resistors would require 16.

Boncuk

littletransistor said:

Will using Resistor Arrays (especially that one of the chip DIP ones) actually simplify my breadboard/PCB projects?

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They're meant to save in production costs vs. using individual resistors when assembling boards in the factory. But that doesn't mean they can't be useful or even fun to use in one own's projects.

They are also useful when needing matched sets of resistors for things such as high precision op-amps.

Noggin said:

They are also useful when needing matched sets of resistors for things such as high precision op-amps.

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Dude, I like your posts, but man it's hard to look at that avatar, sheesh!