Variable Resistor

A variable resistor is a resistor of which the electric resistance value can be adjusted. A variable resistor
is in essence an electro-mechanical transducer and normally works by sliding a contact (wiper) over a
resistive element. When a variable resistor is used as a potential divider by using 3 terminals it is called a
potentiometer. When only two terminals are used, it functions as a variable resistance and is called a
rheostat. Electronically controlled variable resistors exist, which can be controlled electronically instead
of by mechanical action. These resistors are called digital potentiometers.

Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)

Light dependent resistors or photoresistors change their resistance with the level of light. They are used
in a number of sensor applications and provide a very cost effective solution in many instances

A photoresistor or light dependent resistor is a component that is sensitive to light. When light falls
upon it then the resistance changes. Values of the resistance of the LDR may change over many orders
of magnitude the value of the resistance falling as the level of light increases.

Thermistor
A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance is dependent on temperature, more so than in
standard resistors. The word is a portmanteau of thermal and resistor. Thermistors are widely used as
inrush current limiters, temperature sensors (negative temperature coefficient or NTC type typically),
self-resetting overcurrent protectors, and self-regulating heating elements (positive temperature
coefficient or PTC type typically).

A thermistor is a temperature-sensing element composed of sintered semiconductor material which

exhibits a large change in resistance proportional to a small change in temperature. Thermistors usually
have negative temperature coefficients which means the resistance of the thermistor decreases as the
temperature increases.

Positive temperature coefficient of resistance

A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) refers to materials that experience an increase in electrical
resistance when their temperature is raised. Materials which have useful engineering applications
usually show a relatively rapid increase with temperature, i.e. a higher coefficient. The higher the
coefficient, the greater an increase in electrical resistance for a given temperature increase.

A PTC material can be designed to reach a maximum temperature for a given input voltage, since at
some point any further increase in temperature would be met with greater electrical resistance. Unlike
linear resistance heating or NTC materials, PTC materials are inherently self-limiting.

Some materials even have exponentially increasing temperature coefficient. Example of such a material
is PTC rubber.
Voltage Dependent Resistor (VDR)

A varistor is a voltage dependent resistor (VDR). The resistance of a varistor is variable and depends on
the voltage applied. The word is composed of parts of the words “variable resistor”. Their resistance
decreases when the voltage increases. In case of excessive voltage increases, their resistance drops
dramatically. This behavior makes them suitable to protect circuits during voltage surges. Causes of a
surge can include lightning strikes and electrostatic discharges. The most common type of VDR is the
metal oxide varistor or MOV.

Varistors are nonlinear two-element semiconductors that drop in resistance as voltage increases.
Voltage dependent resistors are often used as surge suppressors for sensitive circuits.

it has a nonlinear, non-ohmic current–voltage characteristic that is similar to that of a diode. In contrast
to a diode however, it has the same characteristic for both directions of traversing current.