1.1.4.

AK Component Identification: Analog

Introduction
In the field of electronics, there are an endless number of different types of components. The
ability to identify these components and to understand how they are labeled is an essential
skill for anyone working in the field.
In this activity you will identify and determine the nominal values for a series of resistors and
capacitors. We will concentrate on resistors and capacitors because they are part of virtually
every electronics design ever made.

Equipment

Scientific calculator
Digital multimeter (DMM)
Resistors
Capacitors

Procedure
1. Using the attached resistor color code, determine the nominal resistance value for the
following components.

(Yellow / Violet / Red / Gold)

a) Ra = 4.7k 5%

(Green / Blue / Yellow / Gold)

b) Rb = 560k 5%

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Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.1.4 Component Identification: Analog Page 1

(Red / Violet / Brown / Gold)

c) Rc = 270 5%

(Brown / Red / Green / Gold)

d) Rd = 1.2M 5%

(Blue / Gray / Orange / Gold)

e) Re = 68k 5%

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Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.1.4 Component Identification: Analog Page 2

2. Obtain 10 random resistors from your instructor. Using the Resistor Color Code
Diagram, record each resistors nominal value and tolerance range. Next, use a digital
multi-meter (DMM) to measure and record the actual resistance value of each resistor.
Finally, indicate if the measured value is within acceptable tolerance.
Tolerance Range
Resistor

Colors

Nominal
Value

Minimum
Accepted
Value

Maximum
Accepted
Value

Measured
Value

Meets
Tolerance?

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

3. Use the attached Disc Capacitor Label Diagram to determine the nominal capacitance
value for the following components.

a) Ca = .047F -20% +80%

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Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.1.4 Component Identification: Analog Page 3

b) Cb = 470F 20%

c) Cc = 0.220F 10%

d) Cd = 0.1F 20%

e) Ce = 0.001F 20%
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Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.1.4 Component Identification: Analog Page 4

Resistor Color Code Diagram

Disc Capacitor Label Diagram

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Conclusion
1. Why are the measured values of the resistors different from the nominal values?
Answers may vary.

Resistors may vary within limits (tolerances) without significantly

affecting their function. There are a number of factors that can affect the
tolerance of a resistor. (Material used, quality control of maker,
temperature)

2. Identify each of the circled components for the printed circuit board shown below.
A. Electrolytic Capacitor
B. Voltage Regulator
C. Dual In Line Package (DIP) Integrated Chip (IC)
D. Resistor
E. Light Emitting Diode (LED)
F. Disc Capacitor

F
B
D

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