0 ohm resistor - what is it and why we use it - IBE Electronics (2024)

A 0 ohm resistor, also known as a jumper or zero-ohm link, is a tiny electronic component that behaves as a wire with zero resistance. It is essentially a resistor with no resistance value, allowing it to connect different parts of a circuit together without introducing any additional resistance. This handy little component is often used when designing and prototyping electronic circuits, especially when there’s a need for flexibility in configuring connections.

Table of Contents

What is a 0 ohm resistor?

0 ohm resistor - what is it and why we use it - IBE Electronics (1)

A 0 ohm resistor is a very small resistor whose resistance value is approximately 0 ohms. In fact, it is not “0 ohm” in the true sense, but its resistance value is very small and can be ignored.

0 ohm resistor - what is it and why we use it - IBE Electronics (2)

Functions of 0 ohm resistors

0 ohm resistors are mainly used for detection and measurement of current in circuits. Due to its small resistance value, the connection in the circuit will hardly affect the circuit, and the current intensity passing through it can also be measured.

Advantages of 0 ohm resistors

0 ohm resistor - what is it and why we use it - IBE Electronics (3)

Zero-ohm resistors, also known as jumper resistors or shorting links, may seem like an anomaly, but they actually have some useful advantages! Here are a few benefits of using zero-ohm resistors:

1. Circuit Flexibility: Zero-ohm resistors provide the flexibility to easily modify or reconfigure circuit connections. By simply removing or adding these resistors, you can change the circuit layout without the need for complex rewiring.

2. Trace Routing: In printed circuit boards (PCBs), sometimes traces need to cross over each other to save space or optimize the design. Zero-ohm resistors allow designers to create crossover points by bridging the traces, maintaining signal integrity while avoiding complex routing.

3. Circuit Testing: During prototyping or troubleshooting, zero-ohm resistors can be temporarily installed to isolate or bypass certain components or sections of a circuit. This allows for easier testing and debugging without having to desolder or rework the entire circuit.

4. Component Compatibility: By using a zero-ohm resistor, you can maintain compatibility with existing circuit designs that require a physical component in a specific location. Instead of leaving a blank spot on the PCB, you can simply place a zero-ohm resistor to satisfy the design requirements.

How much current can a 0 ohm resistor handle?

Since the resistance value of the 0 ohm resistor is very small, in other words, it can allow a very large current through it. Generally speaking, the rated power of 0 ohm resistor can reach several kilowatts, so it can pass a considerable current intensity.

Applications of 0 ohm resistor

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1. There is no function in the circuit, but it is only on the PCB for debugging convenience or compatible design and other reasons.

2. It can be used as a jumper.

3. When the parameters of the matching circuit are uncertain, replace them with 0 ohms. During actual debugging, determine the parameters and replace them with components with specific values.

4. When you want to measure the current consumption of a certain part of the circuit, you can remove the 0ohm resistor and connect an ammeter, which is convenient for measuring the current consumption.

5. When wiring, if the wiring is really difficult, you can also add a 0 ohm resistor.

6. Act as an inductor or capacitor under high-frequency signals. It is mainly used to solve EMC problems, such as ground and ground, between power supply and IC Pin.

7. Single-point grounding (meaning that the protective grounding, working grounding, and DC grounding are separated from each other on the equipment, and each becomes an independent system.).

8. Fuse effect.

9. Single-point grounding of quasi-ground and digital ground.

10. Used for current loop when crossing.

11. Configuration circuit.

12.Other uses: jumping wires during wiring; debugging/testing; temporarily replacing other SMD devices; act as a temperature compensation device, etc.

How do you measure a 0 ohm resistor?

Since a 0 ohm resistor is essentially a wire, you can measure it using a multimeter set to the resistance mode. To do this, make sure the power is off, then connect the multimeter leads to both ends of the resistor. If the meter reading shows close to 0 ohms, then you have successfully measured a 0-ohm resistor! Remember, accuracy may vary depending on the quality of your multimeter and any resistance in the test leads themselves.

Can I replace a 0 ohm resistor with a wire?

A 0 ohm resistor is essentially a placeholder component and can be replaced with a wire without any issues. The purpose of a 0-ohm resistor is to provide a convenient way to connect different parts of a circuit together. So if you need to bypass or bridge a connection, feel free to use a wire as a substitute.

FAQ

What is a 0 ohm resistor?

A 0 ohm resistor is a very small resistor whose resistance value is approximately 0 ohms. In fact, it is not “0 ohm” in the true sense, but its resistance value is very small and can be ignored.

What are the advantages of 0 ohm resistors?

1. Circuit Flexibility

2. Trace Routing

3. Circuit Testing

4. Component Compatibility

How much current can a 0 ohm resistor handle?

Since the resistance value of the 0 ohm resistor is very small, in other words, it can allow a very large current through it. Generally speaking, the rated power of 0 ohm resistor can reach several kilowatts, so it can pass a considerable current intensity.

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0 ohm resistor - what is it and why we use it - IBE Electronics (2024)

FAQs

0 ohm resistor - what is it and why we use it - IBE Electronics? ›

Zero-ohm resistors allow designers to create crossover points by bridging the traces, maintaining signal integrity while avoiding complex routing. 3. Circuit Testing: During prototyping or troubleshooting, zero-ohm resistors can be temporarily installed to isolate or bypass certain components or sections of a circuit.

What is the purpose of a 0 ohm resistor? ›

During circuit design, particularly in mixed circuits involving digital and analog components, it's often required to have separate grounds with a single-point connection. A zero-ohm resistor can be employed to connect these two grounds instead of directly joining them.

What is 0 ohm resistance in a circuit? ›

Resistance, symbolized by the (Ω) symbol and measured in Ohms, is a measurement of how well a current can travel through a circuit or a given path. A circuit with no resistance (0) would indicate a complete circuit, or one that has no short.

Is a 0 ohm resistor the same as a wire? ›

Zero-ohm resistors have several benefits over a simple bit of cable: They can be used as a wire link and can be inserted automatically by PCB assembly robots. They come on a reel so no additional setup is required. They can be used where a resistor may be or was used in certain design variations.

What is the power of a 0 ohm resistor? ›

As you have noticed, zero ohm resistors are somewhat different. The power rating is the same as for the other resistors in the same package. so if you have a 1206 sized zero ohm resistor its power rating is the same as all other 1206 SMT resistors, 1/8 of a watt.

How much current can a 0 ohm resistor handle? ›

There is also a view on the Internet that the current of 0 ohm resistor is calculated according to the power. Resistance is calculated according to 50mΩ. In this case, the resistance power of 0805 is generally 1/8W, and the calculated rated current should be 1.58A.

Is 0 ohms open or closed? ›

If the component is a load, there should be resistance that matches the manufacturer's specs. If the reading is infinite (I) or overloaded (OL), then the component is open. If the reading is zero, then the component is closed (if it is a load then this is an internal short).

What is a 0 ohm resistor called? ›

A zero-ohm link or zero-ohm resistor is a wire link packaged in the same physical package format as a resistor. It is used to connect traces on a printed circuit board (PCB).

How to test a 0 ohm resistor? ›

Answer. For a resistor component such as a SMD resistor, the 0 resistor is basically specified as DC resistance, not AC impedance. The accuracy of the 0 resistor at DC should be tested by using a precise digital multi-meter (DMM) such as the 34420A.

What happens to voltage when the resistance is zero? ›

Points directly connected together in a circuit by zero resistance (wire) are considered to be electrically common. Electrically common points, with zero resistance between them, will have zero voltage dropped between them, regardless of the magnitude of the current.

Does current flow through a 0 ohm resistor? ›

A 0 ohm resistor, sometimes known as a jumper or wire link, is a passive component that contains near zero resistance to electrical current flow. This means it allows current to pass through without any meaningful voltage drop or impedance.

What is the color code for a zero-ohm resistor? ›

Single black band or zero-ohm resistor

A resistor with a single black band is called a zero-ohm resistor.

What do you call materials with a resistance of 0 ohms? ›

Superconductors have two main features — zero electrical resistance and the Meissner effect. 1) Zero electrical resistance: Certain materials, when cooled to a low temperature, lose all electrical resistance. These materials become perfect conductors, known as superconductors.

Where do you use an 0 ohm resistor? ›

Regarding the line for power supply, to protect the back-end components from being burnout, overloaded, etc, a 0 ohm resistor is often used to realize the fuse function and protect the back-end equipment in some circuits with low performance and low cost requirements.

What circuit has a resistance of 0 ohm? ›

Since, the current flows in the closed switch or closed circuit, there is no opposition or minimal opposition in the flow of current through the circuit. This implies, that the resistance of the circuit will be minimal or negligible i.e. zero ohms.

What happens if there is 0 resistance? ›

When the resistance in any circuit is equal to zero then the current passing through that circuit will be infinite. We know from Ohm's law that V=IR. Here, if you consider resistance as zero then the equation becomes V=I(0). …

What is the function of zero-ohm in multimeter? ›

ZERO OHMS ADJUSTMENT

- it is used to adjust the pointer in zero position at the right side of the meter panel before measuring resistance.

What is the function of zero adjust resistance? ›

What is the function of the zero adjust control in a multimeter? An analog multimeter uses a zero adjust to set zero ohms. The ohms function uses a battery voltage applied across the leads to measure ohms. Variations in the battery and resistance in the leads could be compensated for with the zero adjust.

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