What is a 4.7K Resistor? 4.7k Resistor Color Code

Resistors are fundamental components in electronic circuits that control the flow of current. This article explores the significance of the 4.7K resistor, one of the commonly used resistor values, in various applications.

What is a 4.7K Resistor?

A 4.7K resistor, also referred to as a 4.7 kilo ohm resistor, is an electronic component designed to provide a specific resistance of 4.7 kilo ohms in an electrical circuit. Resistors are passive components that impede the flow of electric current and are widely used in electronic devices and circuits.

The 4.7K resistor is characterized by its resistance value of 4.7 kilo ohms, which is equivalent to 4,700 ohms. This value is determined by the color code markings on the resistor body. The accuracy of the resistance value is typically specified by its tolerance.

4.7K Resistor Color Code

4 Band Resistor Color Code | 4.7k Resistor Color Code

Color	First Band	Secon Band	Multiplier Band	Tolerance Band
Yellow	4	4	10K Ω	none
Violet	7	7	10M Ω	0.1%
Red	2	2	1 * 102 Ω	2%
Gold	none	none	0.1 Ω	5%

The color code is a widely used method to identify the resistance value of a resistor. In the case of a 4.7K resistor, the color code can be deciphered as follows:

1. The first band represents the first significant figure, which is 4 in this case. The corresponding color for 4 is yellow.

2. The second band indicates the second significant figure, which is 7. The color for 7 is purple.

3. The third band represents the multiplier, which determines the number of zeros following the significant figures. For the 4.7K resistor, the multiplier is 1,000, denoted by the color red.

4. The fourth band indicates the tolerance of the resistor, which represents the acceptable deviation from the specified resistance value. For the 4.7K resistor, the tolerance is typically indicated by the color gold, which represents a tolerance of +/- 5%.

Hence, the color code for a 4.7K resistor is yellow-purple-red-gold.

To interpret the color code, start from the side with the colored bands and read from left to right. The first two bands (Yellow and Purple) represent the significant digits, which in this case are 4 and 7, respectively. The third band (Red) represents the multiplier, which is 10 raised to the power of 1, resulting in a multiplier of 10^1 = 10. Combining the significant digits and the multiplier, we get 47 * 10 = 470. Finally, the fourth band (Gold) indicates the tolerance, which in this case is 5%.

Therefore, a 4.7K resistor has a resistance value of 4.7 kilohms (4700 ohms) with a tolerance of 5%.

Resistance tolerance of 4.7K resistor

The resistance tolerance of a 4.7K resistor typically depends on the manufacturing specifications and the specific type of resistor. Tolerance refers to the allowable variation in resistance from the stated nominal value.

In general, resistors have standard tolerance values that indicate the range within which their actual resistance may deviate from the nominal value. Common tolerance values for resistors include 1%, 5%, and 10%.

Resistance Accuracy of 1%

A resistor with a 1% tolerance has a higher level of accuracy compared to resistors with higher tolerance values. This means that the actual resistance of the resistor can deviate by up to 1% from the stated nominal value. For example, in the case of a 4.7K resistor with a 1% tolerance, the actual resistance can range from 4.653 kilohms to 4.747 kilohms. 

Resistors with 1% accuracy are commonly used in applications where precision is crucial, such as in scientific instruments or precision electronic circuits.

Resistance Accuracy of 5%

A resistor with a 5% tolerance is considered to have a standard accuracy level. The actual resistance of the resistor can deviate by up to 5% from the nominal value. For a 4.7K resistor with a 5% tolerance, the actual resistance can range from 4.465 kilohms to 4.935 kilohms. 

Resistors with 5% accuracy are widely used in various applications, including consumer electronics, power supplies, and general-purpose circuits.

Resistance Accuracy of 10%

Resistors with a 10% tolerance have a lower level of accuracy compared to those with 1% or 5% tolerance. The actual resistance of a resistor with 10% accuracy can deviate by up to 10% from the nominal value. For a 4.7K resistor with a 10% tolerance, the actual resistance can range from 4.23 kilohms to 5.17 kilohms. 

Resistors with 10% accuracy are commonly used in applications where a high level of precision is not required, such as in less critical circuitry or when cost-effectiveness is a priority.

Common Uses for 4.7k Ohm Resistors

4.7k ohm resistors, also known as 4.7 kilohm resistors, have various applications across different electronic circuits. Here are some common uses for 4.7k ohm resistors:

1. Voltage Dividers

4.7k resistors are frequently used in voltage divider circuits to proportionally divide voltage levels. By combining a 4.7k resistor with another resistor, it becomes possible to create specific voltage ratios needed for signal conditioning, sensor interfacing, or level shifting.

2. Current Limiting

These resistors are also employed as current limiters in electronic circuits to regulate the flow of current. By placing a 4.7k resistor in series with a load or component, the current passing through can be controlled within desired limits to prevent damage or ensure proper operation.

3. Pull-up and Pull-down Resistors

In digital circuits, 4.7k resistors are commonly used as pull-up or pull-down resistors. A pull-up resistor connected between a signal line and a voltage source (typically Vcc) ensures that the signal is at a high logic level when not being actively driven. On the other hand, a pull-down resistor connected between the signal line and ground (GND) keeps the signal at a low logic level when not actively driven.

4. Biasing Circuits

4.7k resistors are often employed in biasing circuits to establish a desired voltage or current bias for transistors or operational amplifiers. They help stabilize the operating point of active components, ensuring optimal performance and preventing distortion.

5. Signal Conditioning

These resistors can be used in signal conditioning circuits to attenuate or modify analog signals. By incorporating 4.7k resistors in voltage dividers, filters, or amplifier circuits, the amplitude, frequency response, or gain of the signal can be adjusted to meet specific requirements.

6. Timing Circuits

In combination with capacitors, 4.7k resistors can be utilized in timing circuits, such as RC oscillators or timing delays. The resistance value, along with the capacitance value, determines the time constant of the circuit, influencing the timing characteristics.

7. Network Termination

In communication systems and data transmission lines, 4.7k resistors can be employed as termination resistors to match impedance and minimize signal reflections. They help ensure signal integrity and prevent distortions in high-frequency or high-speed data transmission.

Summary

This article introduces the meaning of each color code of the 4.7K resistor in detail. By understanding the resistor color coding system, deciphering the meaning of each color ring, and considering the tolerance, not only the resistance value of the 4.7K resistor can be accurately determined, but also the resistance of other four-band resistors such as 2.2K color code resistors can be determined